HB787 is a decarbonization measure focused on studying whether Hawaii should adopt a “buy clean” procurement policy for public projects. The bill’s findings describe how greenhouse gas emissions from the full lifecycle of construction materials can be reduced by using state purchasing power to favor lower-emission products, and it cites similar programs in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Rather than creating a full buy-clean program immediately, the bill directs the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission to study the feasibility of such a policy, including scientific evidence, possible program frameworks, best practices, standards, and broader implications.
The bill requires the commission to work with administrative and substantive support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature before the 2027 regular session. It also includes an appropriation from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund the study, with the money to be expended by DLNR. The bill is framed as a planning and policy-development measure, not an immediate regulatory mandate on contractors or materials suppliers.
Impact
HB787 would not directly change procurement rules or construction-material standards in current law; instead, it creates a formal study process that could lead to future legislation. Its main legal effect is to assign the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with DLNR support, the task of evaluating a potential state buy-clean program and reporting back to the Legislature. The bill also authorizes an appropriation for that work, which would affect state budgeting and agency responsibilities for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive of the bill’s climate and decarbonization goals, as reflected in the bill’s findings and its advancement through the House. The measure passed second reading as amended in HD 1 and moved to the Finance Committee, indicating institutional interest in further consideration. However, the recorded vote shows some opposition, with Representatives Garcia and Pierick voting no, suggesting at least some concern about the proposal’s policy direction, cost, or scope.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether Hawaii should move toward a buy-clean procurement framework and whether a study is the right first step. Supporters appear to view the bill as a practical way to use state purchasing power to reduce lifecycle emissions from construction materials and align public spending with climate goals. Opponents may be concerned about the fiscal impact of the appropriation, the administrative burden on DLNR and the Climate Commission, or the potential future effects on contractors, suppliers, and public project costs if a buy-clean policy is later adopted.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.