HI HR184

Requests the Department of Health to establish a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group to address construction and demolition waste, which constitutes 21-40% of landfill mass nationwide and is a major contributor to Hawaii's solid waste problem.

Working group directed to identify solutions to reduce construction and demolition waste, develop strategies to scale deconstruction and materials reuse, support circular construction economy growth, ensure alignment with Hawaii's 2045 carbon neutrality goals, and create policy and economic incentives for sustainable practices.

Working group membership includes the Director of Health, Comptroller, representatives from Department of Education, Department of Transportation, University of Hawaii System, and private sector leaders from construction, demolition, reuse retail, real estate development, historic preservation, architecture, urban planning, and waste management industries.

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

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