HB 356 Summary

• Requires all newly constructed single-family residences and apartment buildings in Hawaii located within the "one hundred thirty miles per hour wind level" to be built to withstand at least a category three hurricane and contain a residential safe room with attached bathroom, effective January 1, 2026.

• Requires all newly constructed single-family residences and apartment buildings located within the "one hundred forty miles per hour wind level" or above to be built to withstand at least a category five hurricane and contain a residential safe room with attached bathroom, effective January 1, 2026.

• Prohibits counties from amending, adopting, or updating state building codes in a manner that conflicts with these hurricane protection requirements.

• Adds new section 107-[blank] to Hawaii Revised Statutes establishing hurricane protection standards and defines key terms including "category five hurricane," "category three hurricane," and wind level geographic areas.

• Amends section 107-28 to clarify that county building code adoption authority is subject to the new hurricane protection requirements.