Honolulu City Council Passes Bill to Adopt Hawaiʻi State Energy Code

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI -  The Honolulu City Council has unanimously passed Bill 4 (2023) on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The bill focuses on updating the Building Energy Conservation Code of the City and County of Honolulu through the adoption of the Hawaiʻi State Energy Code, incorporating local amendments tailored to the unique needs and challenges of our community.

Bill 4 (2023) aims to ensure our buildings are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve these reductions. Furthermore, with an eye on the future, the bill lays the groundwork for electric vehicle infrastructure, positioning Honolulu at the forefront of sustainable transportation.

“With the passage of Bill 4 (2023), we reaffirm the Council’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable Honolulu for future generations through achieving Hawaiʻi’s net-zero energy targets by 2050,” said Councilmember Matt Weyer, Housing, Sustainability, and Health Committee Chair. 

“However, Energy Codes also have the potential to negatively impact the cost of housing. Immense effort has gone into this bill to strike a balance between our sustainability aspirations and housing affordability. Balancing these concerns has been challenging, and we have dedicated months to fostering dialogue between stakeholders to address this intricate matter. I’m optimistic about the outcome and deeply grateful to all stakeholders for their collaborative spirit and invaluable insights.” 

Council Chair Tommy Waters said, “I am proud that we are passing such an important measure. Mahalo to Chair Weyer and his Committee for working with stakeholders and ensuring a balanced solution that provides long term protections for our ʻāina and community and considers our dire need for housing.”

To read Bill 4 (2023) in its entirety, please visit https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/measure/2436.

Councilmember Weyer represents City Council District 2, which includes Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia, Wahiawā, Mokulē‘ia, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Pūpūkea, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana, Ka‘a‘awa, Kualoa, Waiāhole, and Kahalu‘u.

Waters represents City Council District 4, which includes Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu Valley, ‘Āina Haina, Wailupe, Wai‘alae Iki, Kalani Valley, Kāhala, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Diamond Head, and Waikīkī.

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