HI HCR41

State buildings designed on or after July 1, 2027, that are intended to serve as emergency shelters would be requested to meet Category 5 hurricane standards and function as large capacity shelters during emergencies.

Correctional facilities, covered playgrounds, and sheds are excluded from the building requirements; only fully enclosed state buildings intended as large capacity shelters would be affected.

The Department of Accounting and General Services would serve as lead agency for enforcing these requirements in consultation with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and would adopt administrative rules.

Climate change has increased hurricane risk for Hawaii by warming surrounding ocean waters and reducing trade wind days from 291 in 1973 to 210 in 2009, diminishing natural wind shear protection.

A 2022 City and County of Honolulu report found the county had sufficient shelter capacity for only 100,000 people due to lack of facilities meeting hurricane criteria.