HI HB1185

Establishes a Plant-based Building Materials Working Group within the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to study growing plants and developing plant-based building materials in Hawaii.

Working group composition includes the UH dean and director for research (chair), UH Hilo college director, board of agriculture chairperson, Hawaii climate change mitigation coordinator, four experts in plant-based building materials, one building materials expert, and additional specialized expertise members as needed.

Requires interim report to legislature 20 days prior to 2026 regular session and final report with findings and recommendations 20 days prior to 2027 regular session.

Appropriates unspecified sum from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the working group, to be expended by the University of Hawaii.

Working group dissolves June 30, 2027; act takes effect July 1, 3000.