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Bill

SR 141

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A DEMOLITION WASTE REDUCTION WORKING GROUP.

2025 Regular Session

Hawaii requests its Department of Health create a demolition waste reduction working group to develop strategies for reusing and recycling building demolition debris.

The committee on HHS deferred the measure.
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Bill Summary · SR 141

Legislative bill overview

SR 141 requests that Hawaii's Department of Health establish a working group focused on reducing waste generated by building demolition projects. The measure seeks to develop strategies and recommendations for minimizing demolition waste through reuse, recycling, and other waste reduction methods. This is a concurrent resolution—a non-binding request rather than mandatory legislation.

Why is this important

Demolition waste represents a significant portion of construction and demolition debris in Hawaii, a state with limited landfill capacity and high waste management costs. Developing a coordinated approach to demolition waste reduction could extend landfill life, reduce environmental impact, lower disposal costs for contractors, and potentially create economic opportunities in deconstruction and materials recovery industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Critics may question whether convening a working group is an efficient use of Department of Health resources versus implementing direct regulatory requirements
  • Enforcement mechanism: As a resolution, this creates no binding obligation—the department could delay or deprioritize the working group without legal consequences
  • Industry impact: Construction and demolition contractors may resist if recommendations eventually lead to more stringent regulations or reporting requirements that increase project costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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