Bill > SB2278

This bill mandates that starting July 1, 2026, all new and replacement outdoor lighting fixtures installed in Hawaii must be fully shielded, meaning they direct all light downwards, and have a color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin or less, which is a measure of the light's color appearance. The bill defines "fully shielded" and "outdoor lighting fixture" for clarity and provides specific exemptions for certain types of lighting, such as those emitting 3,000 lumens or less, emergency lighting, temporary construction or film lighting, agricultural operations, navigational lights, and lighting for historic properties. It also allows for exceptions for outdoor athletic facilities and state-managed roadways under certain conditions, and includes a new exemption for private residential incandescent fixtures meeting specific lumen output and property size criteria. Importantly, existing outdoor lighting fixtures legally installed before July 1, 2026, are exempt, but any replacements must comply with the new rules unless an exemption applies. The bill also repeals the existing "Night Sky Protection Strategy" and appropriates funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to help counties enforce and implement these new lighting requirements.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2278&year=2026