HI HCR190

Department of Health requested to convene a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group to address construction and demolition waste that constitutes 21-40% of landfill mass nationwide and is a major contributor to Hawaii's landfill pressures.

Working group tasked with identifying solutions to reduce construction and demolition waste statewide, developing deconstruction and materials reuse strategies, supporting circular construction economy growth, and aligning efforts with Hawaii's carbon neutrality goals by 2045 and environmental justice objectives.

Membership to include Director of Health (chair), Comptroller, representatives from Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and University of Hawaii System, plus private sector leaders from construction, demolition/deconstruction, reuse retail, real estate development, historic preservation, architecture, urban planning, and waste management industries.

Working group requested to invite community groups with expertise in workforce development, public policy, and environmental justice; explore best practices from circular economy programs in Denmark, Netherlands, and other global leaders.

Working group required to submit annual reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before each regular session, detailing findings, recommendations, proposed legislation, and opportunities for advancing the circular construction economy.