HI HB2754

Establishes a plant-based building materials working group to study growing plants for developing plant-based building materials in Hawaii, including bamboo, hemp, and biocements from cyanobacteria.

Working group membership includes the dean of University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (chair), four experts in plant-based building materials, representatives from UH Hilo, Board of Agriculture, Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, state sustainability coordinator, Hawaii Farm Bureau president, and a building materials expert.

Working group shall submit findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular session and dissolves on June 30, 2026.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be expended by the University of Hawaii to assist the working group in its study.

Acknowledges that the appropriation will exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 but states this is necessary to serve the public interest and address the needs of plant-based building materials development for climate and economic goals.