THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	159
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the office of planning and sustainable development to convene a demolition waste reduction working group.

 

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's landfills are nearing capacity, with the State facing significant community opposition to the expansion of existing facilities or the establishment of new facilities; and

 

     WHEREAS, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, construction and demolition waste constitutes approximately twenty-one to forty percent of landfill mass nationwide and represents one of the largest contributors to solid waste in Hawaii, further exacerbating landfill pressures; and

 

     WHEREAS, a comprehensive and coordinated cross-industry approach is critical to advancing the circular construction economy, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices across the State's construction and demolition sectors; and

 

     WHEREAS, local recycling nonprofits and community-based organizations in the State have made significant progress in advocating for deconstruction, reuse, and circular economy principles, but face barriers in scaling these efforts to have a broader policy and economic impact; and

 

     WHEREAS, a construction and demolition waste reduction working group could serve as a catalyst to coordinate efforts across industries, identify resources, remove systemic barriers, and recommend targeted incentives that promote sustainable practices and economic growth; and

 

     WHEREAS, the adoption of reclaimed and reused materials, which are often low-embodied carbon alternatives to virgin materials, could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the State's carbon reduction goals, as outlined in Act 15, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, which committed the State to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045; and

 

     WHEREAS, landfills have historically been located near disadvantaged communities, disproportionately exposing these communities to health risks, such as air pollution, groundwater contamination, and other environmental hazards, and addressing these injustices should be a central goal of sustainable waste management policies; and

 

     WHEREAS, the establishment of a working group will help make actionable recommendations, including reviewing potential approaches, proposing solutions, and prioritizing actions to promote deconstruction, materials reuse, and waste reduction; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development plays a key role in coordinating statewide planning, sustainability initiatives, and cross-agency collaboration, and is well positioned to convene stakeholders to address construction and demolition waste challenges; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is requested to convene a Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to:

 

     (1)  Identify and implement solutions to reduce construction and demolition waste statewide;

 

     (2)  Develop strategies to scale deconstruction and materials reuse to reduce landfill dependency;

 

     (3)  Support the growth of the circular construction economy by fostering public and private sector collaboration;

 

     (4)  Ensure alignment with the State's goals; and

 

     (5)  Create a framework for policy and economic incentives that promote sustainable practices; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to include the following members:

 

     (1)  The Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, or the Director's designee, who is requested to serve as chair of the Working Group;

 

     (2)  The Comptroller, or the Comptroller's designee;

 

     (3)  Private sector leaders invited to participate by the chair, including:

 

          (A)  One representative from the construction industry;

 

          (B)  One representative from the demolition and deconstruction industry;

 

          (C)  One representative from the reuse retail industry;

 

          (D)  One representative from the real estate development industry;

 

          (E)  One representative with expertise in historic preservation;

 

          (F)  One representative with expertise in architecture;

 

          (G)  One representative with expertise in urban planning; and

 

          (H)  One representative from the waste management industry; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to invite and involve community groups with expertise in workforce development, public policy, and environmental justice; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to focus on policy innovation and cross-industry collaboration, exploring best practices from successful circular economy programs in other regions, such as those implemented in Denmark and the Netherlands; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group is requested to submit annual reports of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each Regular Session; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the reports are requested to include the Working Group's successes and opportunities for further action in advancing the circular construction economy; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and Comptroller.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

OPSD; Demolition Waste Reduction Working Group; Reports