HI SB2278

Requires all new and replacement outdoor lighting fixtures installed in Hawaii beginning July 1, 2026, to be fully shielded with a correlated color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin or less to reduce light pollution.

Exempts lighting fixtures approved or legally installed before July 1, 2026, though replacement fixtures for inoperable lights must meet the new standards.

Provides exemptions for lights emitting 3,000 lumens or less, emergency lighting, temporary construction lighting, navigational safety lights, historic property fixtures, and private residential fixtures under 8,100 lumens per acre.

Allows relaxed standards for outdoor athletic facilities, where partially shielded fixtures with glare control louvers limiting direct up-light to less than 5% are permitted.

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be distributed among Hawaii County, Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui counties for enforcement and fixture replacement.