THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2026

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to state building code.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that, Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, established the state building code council, codified as part II of chapter 107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to adopt a uniform set of statewide building codes applicable to one and two family dwellings, all other residential uses, and commercial and industrial buildings, and state buildings to make it possible for building owners, designers, contractors, and code enforcers within the State to apply consistent standards.  Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, amended part II of chapter 107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by refining and clarifying provisions relating to the state building code council and the adoption of Hawaii state building codes and standards.  The International Building Code is currently being considered for adoption by all counties.  The health and safety considerations related to the codes are of statewide interest, especially relating to emergency disaster preparedness or parcels, current zoned parcels with or without buildings, and redevelopment projects.

     The legislature further finds that the state building code council is comprised of four government officials, two private design professionals, and one seat shared by either a representative from the General Contractor Association or the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.  Since its creation, the state building code council has struggled with limited funding and staffing support.  With a majority of government officials on the council, the private sector has voiced concerns that codes not dealing with public health or safety are adopted with little or no consideration given for increasing overall construction costs in Hawaii.

     The code adoption process ultimately rests with each individual county.  As the recommended commercial and residential codes are updated and adopted every three years at the national level, the two-step process in Hawaii results in codes taking longer to be adopted and not meeting the intent of Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii, which was to adopt a uniform set of statewide building codes.  The legislature now finds that the two-step process established under Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii,  creates a more prolonged process and does not the desired result of a uniform building code throughout the state.

     The purpose of this Act is to repeal the state building code council.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 107, part II, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Building Code Council; Repeal

 

Description:

Repeals the state building code council.

 

 

 

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