HI HB350

Expands building permit requirements for new single-family homes to allow ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters as an alternative to solar water heater systems

Modifies variance criteria so solar water heater variances can be granted for poor solar resource, while heat pump water heater variances can be granted for interior or exterior space constraints

Requires ENERGY STAR certified demand water heaters (gas-tankless instantaneous) for variance approval, replacing the previous Underwriters Laboratories approval requirement

Adds requirement that demand water heater variances must be justified by a life cycle cost-benefit analysis

Effective date set for July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)