STAND. COM. REP. NO. 587

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 350

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 350, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the types of water heater systems required for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office; Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS; and Hawaiʻi Energy. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Inter-Island Solar Supply and Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

Your Committee finds that the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for homeowners to manage utility expenses, particularly in new residential construction. Many new homes continue to be built without energy-efficient water heating systems, which increases the overall cost of homeownership and contributes to the State's energy consumption. ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters are highly energy efficient and have the potential to provide grid support and cost savings, with even greater benefits in the future. This measure will help lessen the financial burden associated with homeownership by reducing the cost of utilities by requiring more energy efficient systems to be installed in new construction.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 350, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

____________________________

LUKE A. EVSLIN, Chair