STAND. COM. REP. NO. 883-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2608

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2608, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER HEATING SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize building permit variances for certain high-efficiency electric water heating systems utilizing heat pump technology.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS; Hawaiian Council; Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition; and two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office and Solaray Corporation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2608, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair