HI HB2608

Adds a new variance option to Hawaii's solar water heater requirement for new single-family dwellings, allowing high-efficiency electric heat pump water heaters when installed with a photovoltaic system as an alternative to solar water heaters.

Amends Section 196-6.5 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to include heat pump water heaters as a fifth qualifying variance category alongside existing options like poor solar resource, cost-prohibitive installations, renewable energy systems, and gas demand water heaters.

Addresses concerns that previous variance processes led to widespread approval of fossil fuel-based water heating systems, increasing Hawaii's dependence on imported natural gas and propane.

Recognizes that heat pump water heaters can serve a broader range of housing types including rental units, townhomes, and multifamily dwellings where rooftop solar systems are impractical.

Effective date set as July 1, 3000 (placeholder date indicating further legislative action needed).