summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Specifies that no state or county building code shall prohibit the use of hempcrete. Authorizes building officials to approve hempcrete construction that meets applicable safety and performance standards. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
AI Summary
This bill aims to address Hawaii's housing crisis by allowing the use of hempcrete, a sustainable building material made from industrial hemp and a lime-based binder, in construction. Specifically, it clarifies that neither state nor county building codes can prohibit hempcrete as a non-structural building material, meaning it cannot be used for load-bearing parts unless specifically approved. Building officials will be authorized to approve hempcrete construction if it meets safety and performance standards, such as those related to fire safety, structural integrity, moisture management, energy efficiency, and health. The bill defines "hemp" as the Cannabis sativa L. plant with a low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration (0.3% or less on a dry weight basis) and "hempcrete" as the composite material. This change is intended to reduce regulatory hurdles, encourage innovation, lower construction costs, and contribute to more climate-resilient and affordable housing, with the law taking effect on July 1, 3000.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice
Sponsors (19)
Terez Amato (D)*,
Elle Cochran (D)*,
Diamond Garcia (R)*,
Tina Grandinetti (D)*,
Daniel Holt (D)*,
Ikaika Hussey (D)*,
Kirstin Kahaloa (D)*,
Jeanné Kapela (D)*,
Darius Kila (D)*,
Nicole Lowen (D)*,
Lisa Marten (D)*,
Lauren Matsumoto (R)*,
Tyson Miyake (D)*,
Amy Perruso (D)*,
Mahina Poepoe (D)*,
Julie Reyes Oda (R)*,
Gregg Takayama (D)*,
Jenna Takenouchi (D)*,
Adrian Tam (D)*,
Last Action
Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Chun, Kong, Kusch excused (3). (on 02/13/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2151&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2151_HD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report HB2151_HD1_HSCR269-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/HB2151_HD1_HSCR269-26_.pdf |
| HB2151_TESTIMONY_WAL_02-10-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/HB2151_TESTIMONY_WAL_02-10-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/HB2151_.HTM |
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