HI HB2026

Requires all new building permits issued after January 1, 2025, to have roofs painted white or made with white-colored material for residential and commercial structures.

Mandates that existing residential and commercial buildings must use white paint or white-colored material when repainting their roofs on or after January 1, 2025.

Directs all counties to adopt and enforce rules, ordinances, and guidelines to implement and enforce the white roof requirements through the building inspection process.

Defines "new construction" to include single-family and multi-family residential properties, as well as commercial structures of any kind.

Rationale: White roofs reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures, lowering air conditioning use and associated greenhouse gas emissions.