News Briefs

A roundup of local and national headlines on sustainable living

By: Ku‘u Home Magazine

Mar 2, 2026

Photo Adobe Stock Stanisic Vladimir
Photo Adobe Stock Stanisic Vladimir

Shifts in economics and demographics continue to drive changes in residential design

According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) 2026 Trends Outlook released in late January, the design industry is responding with new approaches to consumer concerns about holistic living, value-consciousness and adaptability.

“To best serve clients and communities, designers must understand how broader societal shifts are influencing the way people live, work and connect,” said Khoi Vo, ASID chief executive officer, in a press release.

Notable trends in the report include:

  • Awareness of global economics: As the industry navigates tariffs, material costs and labor shortages, consumers are focusing less on project scale and more on the long-term value of their spaces.
  • Modified living arrangements: “Downsizing, co-living, aging-in-place strategies and urban ‘senior roommate’ models are gaining traction, particularly in high-cost cities,” the press release noted.
  • Energy literacy: With more homes utilizing smart controls and devices with artificial intelligence features, designers must balance technological efficiency and its impact on natural resources.

ASID members can download the report for free at asid.org.

Photo Adobe Stock Dreamdecko

Rebate rates double as WaterSensible program encourages conservation

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) and City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services announced a partnership to increase incentives in the BWS WaterSensible Rebate program aimed at lowering utility costs and water usage.

These water-efficient products are eligible for the following upgraded rebate rates:

  • Energy Star-rated clothes washers: $150 (originally $75)
  • WaterSense-labeled toilets, 1.28 gallons per flush or less: $200 (originally $100)
  • Smart water monitor: $400 (originally $200)

File your rebate applications at boardofwatersupply.com/rebates.

Hawaiian Electric Co. tracks statewide increase in residential additions of rooftop solar

Urgency for homeowners to claim the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit by Dec. 31, 2025 led to a surge in applications for solar rooftop installations and battery storage systems, noted Hawaiian Electric Co. in a press release.

Grid-connected solar systems across the state numbered 120,570 by the end of 2025, with residential customers comprising the majority. This marks a 6-percent growth over 2024, the press release explained.

Learn more about Hawaiian Electric Co.’s Smart Renewable Energy program at hawaiianelectric.com.

This story appears in the March/April 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.