Bill > HB1569

This bill mandates that all newly manufactured washing machines sold in the State must be equipped with a microfiber filtration system, which is defined as a system that actively filters across all wash cycles and contains a filter with a mesh size of 100 micrometers or less, or meets an equivalent standard set by the Department of Health to reduce microfiber pollution. This requirement will be phased in, with 10% of units sold needing to comply by January 1, 2032, 50% by January 1, 2037, and 100% by January 1, 2042. Manufacturers will be required to certify to the Department of Health that their washing machines comply with these new standards, and failure to do so can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first violation and up to $30,000 for subsequent violations, though retailers and distributors who rely in good faith on a manufacturer's certification will not be held liable. The Department of Health is authorized to adopt rules to implement these provisions, including establishing certification requirements, verification methods, and standards for microfiber filters, and may also grant limited exemptions for small businesses.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1569&year=2026