HB 350: Energy; Water Heater System Requirements; Heat Pump Water Heaters; Variance

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENERGY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 196-6.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "§196-6.5  [Solar water] Water heater system [required] requirements for new single-family residential construction.  (a)  On or after January 1, 2010, no building permit shall be issued for a new single-family dwelling that does not include a solar water heater system that meets the standards established pursuant to section 269-44[,] or an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater, unless the chief energy officer of the Hawaii state energy office approves a variance.  A variance application shall only be accepted if submitted by an architect or mechanical engineer licensed under chapter 464, who attests that:

     (1)  [Installation] For a solar water heater system, installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource[;] and for a heat pump water heater, installation is impracticable due to interior or exterior space constraints;

     (2)  Installation of either a solar water heater system or a heat pump water heater is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heater system [with a life cycle that does not exceed fifteen years;] or new heat pump water heater;

     (3)  A renewable energy technology system, as defined in section 235-12.5, is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water; or

     (4)  [A] An ENERGY STAR certified demand water heater device [approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,] is installed; provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling[.] and a life cycle cost-benefit analysis justifies the variance.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "demand water heater" means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "heat pump" means a device that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Energy; Water Heater System Requirements; Heat Pump Water Heaters; Variance

Description:

Expands the types of water heater systems that may satisfy the relevant requirement for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENERGY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 196-6.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "§196-6.5  [Solar water] Water heater system [required] requirements for new single-family residential construction.  (a)  On or after January 1, 2010, no building permit shall be issued for a new single-family dwelling that does not include a solar water heater system that meets the standards established pursuant to section 269-44[,] or an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater, unless the chief energy officer of the Hawaii state energy office approves a variance.  A variance application shall only be accepted if submitted by an architect or mechanical engineer licensed under chapter 464, who attests that:

     (1)  [Installation] For a solar water heater system, installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource[;] and for a heat pump water heater, installation is impracticable due to interior or exterior space constraints;

     (2)  Installation of either a solar water heater system or a heat pump water heater is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heater system [with a life cycle that does not exceed fifteen years;] or new heat pump water heater;

     (3)  A renewable energy technology system, as defined in section 235-12.5, is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water; or

     (4)  [A] An ENERGY STAR certified demand water heater device [approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,] is installed; provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling[.] and a life cycle cost-benefit analysis justifies the variance.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "demand water heater" means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "heat pump water heater" means a water heater that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Energy; Water Heater System Requirements; Variance

Description:

Expands the types of water heater systems that may satisfy the relevant requirement for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to energy.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 196-6.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending its title and subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "§196-6.5  [Solar water] Water heater system [required] requirements for new single-family residential construction.  (a)  On or after January 1, 2010, no building permit shall be issued for a new single-family dwelling that does not include a solar water heater system that meets the standards established pursuant to section 269-44[,] or an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater, unless the chief energy officer of the Hawaii state energy office approves a variance.  A variance application shall only be accepted if submitted by an architect or mechanical engineer licensed under chapter 464, who attests that:

     (1)  [Installation] For a solar water heater system, installation is impracticable due to poor solar resource[;] and for a heat pump water heater, installation is impracticable due to interior or exterior space constraints;

     (2)  Installation of either a solar water heater system or a heat pump water heater is cost-prohibitive based upon a life cycle cost-benefit analysis that incorporates the average residential utility bill and the cost of the new solar water heater system [with a life cycle that does not exceed fifteen years;] or new heat pump water heater;

     (3)  A renewable energy technology system, as defined in section 235-12.5, is substituted for use as the primary energy source for heating water; or

     (4)  [A] An ENERGY STAR certified demand water heater device [approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,] is installed; provided that at least one other gas appliance is installed in the dwelling[.] and a life cycle cost-benefit analysis justifies the variance.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "demand water heater" means a gas-tankless instantaneous water heater that provides hot water only as it is needed.

     For the purposes of this subsection, "heat pump water heater" means a water heater that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Energy; Water Heater System Requirements

Description:

Expands the types of water heater systems that may satisfy the relevant requirement for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings to include ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1078

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 350

       H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 350, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ENERGY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  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;

     (2)  Amend the conditions for acceptance of a water heater variance application; and

     (3)  Define "heat pump".

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, and Hawaiʻi Energy.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from Inter‑Island Solar Supply and Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

     Your Committees find that Hawaii's solar water heater system mandate for new single-family dwellings provides homeowners with a prudent, energy saving investment while increasing the number of renewable energy resources in the State.  Your Committees note that some new single-family dwellings may have limited exposure to sunlight, which would make solar water heating less effective.  Your Committees further note that the ability of ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters to efficiently and flexibly use electricity makes them an excellent match for the use of excess onsite or grid-provided solar energy.  According to testimony received by your Committees, ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters are viable alternatives when the installation of solar or heat pump water heaters are not feasible.  Your Committees believe that allowing consumers the choice of an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater is consistent with the energy goals of the State. 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 350, H.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1046

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 350

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, 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; Hawaiʻi Energy; Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition; and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Inter-Island Solar Supply and Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

     Your Committee finds that the reduction of energy consumption is an important component of the State's energy policy.  Solar water heaters can save residents up to forty percent on their overall electric bills, which is why the State, in 2010, mandated that newly constructed single-family homes be equipped with solar water heaters.  However, some homes may have limited sunlight exposure, which makes solar water heating less effective.

     Your Committee further finds that ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters are also viable, energy saving options.  Those water heaters are two to three times more efficient than conventional water heaters and are able to participate in demand-response and time-of-use programs.  This measure therefore adds ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters as an option for newly constructed single-family homes.

     Your Committee amended this measure by replacing the definition of "heat pump water heater" with "heat pump" and further amending that defined term.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 350, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 350, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  93

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 Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 350 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 Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaiʻi Energy.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from The Solaray Corporation dba Inter-Island Solar Supply and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association.

     Your Committee finds that ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters offer an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric water heaters.  Your Committee further finds that these types of water heaters do not currently satisfy the water heater system requirements for the issuance of a building permit for new single-family dwellings.  This measure addresses this issue by expanding the types of water heater systems that satisfy this requirement to ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     Your Committee notes and will continue to consider the amendment suggested by the Solaray Corporation to allow only ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters that meet or exceed the average efficiency of solar water heaters to be added to this measure.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 350, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 350, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Housing.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,