HI HB356

Requires all newly constructed single-family homes and apartment buildings in areas with 130 mph wind levels to withstand at least a category 3 hurricane and include a residential safe room with attached bathroom, effective January 1, 2026

Requires all newly constructed single-family homes and apartment buildings in areas with 140 mph or higher wind levels to withstand at least a category 5 hurricane and include a residential safe room with attached bathroom

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

Adds these hurricane protection requirements to the list of standards that comprise the Hawaii state building codes under Chapter 107

Addresses Hawaii's increasing vulnerability to stronger hurricanes due to climate change, noting the state has approximately 187,000 wooden homes and insufficient shelter capacity for residents during hurricane events