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HB2151
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
2151
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to building materials
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that Hawaii is
experiencing an ongoing housing crisis marked by a severe shortage of
affordable housing, escalating construction costs, and heavy reliance on
imported building materials.
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These
challenges are compounded by the State's geographic isolation, vulnerability to
supply chain disruptions, and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and improve climate resilience in the built environment.
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The legislature further finds that
hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime, is a bio-composite building material made
from the woody core of the industrial hemp plant, combined with a lime-based
binder and water.
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Hempcrete is widely
used internationally as a non-structural building material for wall infill,
insulation, and plaster.
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Hempcrete is
fire-resistant, mold-resistant, pest-resistant, breathable, and capable of
sequestering carbon over its lifecycle.
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The legislature recognizes that
indigenous nations and tribal communities in the continental United States,
including tribes in Minnesota, have been leaders in advancing hempcrete
construction as a means of promoting sustainable housing, cultural self-determination,
workforce development, and community resilience.
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These efforts demonstrate how natural
building materials can support housing needs while aligning with values of
stewardship, self-sufficiency, and long-term environmental responsibility.
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The legislature additionally finds
that clarifying hempcrete as an approved non-structural building material in
state law will reduce regulatory uncertainty, lower barriers to innovation in
construction, and allow builders, architects, and homeowners to utilize this
material without requiring repeated variances or discretionary approvals.
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By enabling broader use of hempcrete, Hawaii
can support the development of more climate-appropriate housing, diversify
construction methods, reduce material costs over time, and help expand the
supply of housing necessary to address the State's housing crisis.
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The purpose of this Act is to support
the development of sustainable, affordable, and resilient housing in the State
by:
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(1)
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Recognizing
hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime, as an allowable non-structural building
material under state law;
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(2)
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Clarifying that no
state or county building code shall prohibit the use of a hempcrete; and
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(3)
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Providing clear
authority for building officials to approve hempcrete construction that meets
applicable safety and performance standards.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:
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�107-
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Hempcrete
use; building material.
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(a)
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Hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime, shall be recognized as an allowable
non-structural building material in the State.
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(b)
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No
provision of the Hawaii state building codes or any county building code shall
prohibit or otherwise limit the use of hempcrete as a non-structural building
material.
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(c)
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Hempcrete shall be permitted for use in
non-load-bearing construction; provided that the material and the material's
application shall comply with all applicable requirements relating to:
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(1)
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Fire safety;
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(2)
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Structural
integrity of the overall building system;
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(3)
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Moisture
management and durability;
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(4)
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Energy
efficiency; and
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(5)
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Health and
safety standards.
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(d)
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Hempcrete shall not be used as a load-bearing
structural element unless otherwise approved pursuant to applicable state building
codes and standards as recognized in section 107-25.
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(e)
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State and county building officials may
approve the use of hempcrete as a non-structural building material without
requiring a variance; provided that the proposed use of hempcrete shall comply with
applicable state building codes, rules, and standards.
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(f)
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The department, in consultation with the counties, may adopt rules
pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.
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Rules adopted pursuant to this section may
include providing guidance regarding approval of hempcrete construction
consistent with applicable state building codes and nationally recognized
standards.
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(g)
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As used in this section:
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"Hemp" means Cannabis sativa
L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives,
extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether
growing or not, with a total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than
0.3 per cent on a dry weight basis.
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"Hempcrete" or
"hemp-lime" means a bio-composite material consisting of the woody
core of industrial hemp, a lime-based binder, and water.
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"Industrial hemp" means
hemp:
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(1)
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Grown for the
use of the stalk of the plant, fiber produced from such a stalk, or any other
non-cannabinoid derivative, mixture, preparation, or manufacture of such a
stalk;
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(2)
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Grown for the
use of the whole grain, oil, cake, nut, hull, or any other non-cannabinoid
compound, derivative, mixture, preparation, or manufacture of the seeds of such
plant;
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(3)
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Grown for
purposes of producing microgreens or other edible hemp leaf products intended
for human consumption that are derived from an immature hemp plant that is
grown from seeds
with a
total tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than 0.3 per cent on a dry
weight basis
;
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(4)
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That is a plant
that does not enter the stream of commerce and is intended to support hemp
research at an institution of higher education or an independent research
institute; or
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(5)
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Grown for the
use of a viable seed of the plant produced solely for the production or
manufacture of any material described in paragraphs (1) through (4).
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SECTION 3.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
State
Building Codes; County Building Codes; Hempcrete
Description:
Recognizes hempcrete as an allowable non-structural
building material under state law.
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Clarifies
that no state or county building code shall prohibit the use of hempcrete.
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Provides the authority for building officials
to approve hempcrete construction that meets applicable safety and performance
standards.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.