THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

627

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the state building codes.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the state fire code is one of the codes that comprise the suite of building codes and standards known as the state building code.  The codes also include the building, residential, plumbing, electrical, energy, and elevator codes.  Pursuant to chapter 107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the state fire code is first adopted by the state fire council and is then adopted by the state building code council, which is made up of expert members representing designers; contractors; industry representatives; and county building and fire officials; and other state regulatory code officials.  The state building code council is administratively attached to the department of accounting and general services, which is the department required to adopt administrative rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, after the building codes are adopted by the council.  Pursuant to section 132-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the state fire code is required to be adopted after public hearings.  The other building codes, however, are exempt from public hearings and adopted pursuant to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes, where stakeholders meet and discuss the various building codes in an open forum.  These states codes form a consistent basis for the adoption of building codes for the counties and for designers and contractors.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of accounting and general services to adopt rules for state building codes no later than two years after the adoption of the codes by the state building code council or automatic adoption; and

     (2)  Revise the adoption process for the state fire code to be in conformance with other state building codes.

     SECTION 2.  Section 107-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§107-29[]]  Rules.  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this part[.]; provided that the department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the state building codes listed in section 107-25 no later than two years after the adoption of the codes by the council or automatic adoption pursuant to section 107‑24."

     SECTION 3.  Section 132-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§132-3  Adoption of state fire code.  The state fire council shall, [after public hearings] pursuant to chapter 92 and exempt from the requirements of chapter 91, adopt a state fire code setting forth minimum requirements relative to the protection of persons and property from fire loss including without limitation:  (1) the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices; and (2) the control of conditions hazardous to life or property in the design, use or occupancy of buildings and premises.  The state fire code shall become part of the Hawaii state building codes as provided in section 107-25.  The state fire council shall meet annually to review and amend the state fire code."

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

State Fire Code; Adoption; Requirements; State Building Codes

 

Description:

Requires the department of accounting and general services to adopt rules for state building codes no later than two years after the adoption of the codes by the state building code council or automatic adoption of the codes.  Revises the adoption process for the state fire code to be in conformance with other state building codes.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.