Honolulu Energy Benchmarking Ordinance
What is Honolulu's Better Buildings Benchmarking program?
Honolulu’s Better Buildings Benchmarking program (Ordinance 22-17), signed in July 2022, requires owners of large commercial and multifamily buildings on Oʻahu to benchmark their electricity, gas and water use every year and report it to the City’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency.
The program supports Honolulu’s Climate Action Plan goal of net-negative emissions by 2045 and is expected to cut large-building electricity use by nearly 7% by 2030. Hawaiian Electric now offers automatic utility data uploads, which makes reporting easier.
What buildings must comply with Honolulu benchmarking?
- Commercial and multifamily buildings of 25,000 sq ft or more
- Municipal buildings over 10,000 sq ft (under Ordinance 20-47)
Single-family homes through fourplexes, buildings under 25,000 sq ft and certain industrial properties are not covered. A building may also qualify for an exemption if it lacked a certificate of occupancy for the full year, or if demolition began before the deadline.
What is the penalty for non-compliance?
If your report is not received within 60 days of the deadline, the City can issue a notice of order:
- Initial fine: up to $1,000.
- Daily fine: $100 per day until you report.
- Annual cap: no more than $5,000 per facility per reporting year.
What is the compliance process?
Honolulu owners report through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. A typical filing looks like this:
- First, confirm your building is covered and note its Honolulu Building ID.
- Next, set up the Hawaiian Electric automatic utility upload, or request aggregated whole-building data.
- Then add gas and Board of Water Supply water data for the previous calendar year.
- If you need more time, request a 60-day extension before the deadline.
- Finally, submit your report through the City’s data request link by June 30.
What is the deadline for Honolulu benchmarking?
Honolulu benchmarking reports are due June 30 every year and cover the previous calendar year. You can request a 60-day extension online.
Next deadlineJune 30, 2027 for calendar-year 2026 data
The Hawaiian Electric auto-upload saves time, so set it up early in the year.
Honolulu benchmarking at a glance
Honolulu keeps reporting simple:
| Requirement | Who must comply | When |
|---|---|---|
| Annual benchmarking | Commercial and multifamily 25,000+ sq ft | June 30 each year |
| Extension | Any covered building | 60 days, requested before the deadline |
| Municipal benchmarking | City buildings over 10,000 sq ft | Every year |
What utilities are required for benchmarking reporting?
- Water
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- District Energy
- Any other purchased fuel
What is the purpose of Honolulu's benchmarking program?
Buildings are a major source of energy use on Oʻahu, and high energy costs affect every resident. The program serves two main goals:
Cut energy use and emissions. Benchmarking shows owners where to save, supporting Honolulu’s goal of net-negative emissions by 2045.
Lower utility bills. Owners who track their data find savings faster. Many also pursue ENERGY STAR certification.
To see how other cities handle benchmarking, visit our energy benchmarking compliance guide.
Honolulu energy benchmarking FAQs
When is the Honolulu benchmarking deadline?
June 30 every year. The next deadline is June 30, 2027, for 2026 data.
Can I get an extension?
Yes. You can request a 60-day extension through the City’s online form.
What are the fines?
After 60 days, up to $1,000 plus $100 per day, capped at $5,000 per facility per year.
Does Hawaiian Electric upload data automatically?
Yes. Hawaiian Electric offers an automatic utility upload to Portfolio Manager for covered buildings.
Can Energy Fave handle my Honolulu report?
Yes. Energy Fave can set up your utility uploads and submit your report on your behalf.
Interested in benchmarking help?
Honolulu at a Glance
- Who's covered
- Commercial & multifamily 25,000+ sq ft
- Next deadline
- June 30, 2027The 2026 report was due June 30, 2026. Not filed yet? We can file it now →
- Extension
- 60 days on request
- Late penalty
- Up to $1,000 + $100/day (max $5,000)
- Reporting tool
- Portfolio Manager + HECO auto-upload