| 47 | | - | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven record of significantly reducing lost life, injury, and property damage. Automatic fire sprinklers are commonly installed in commercial and high-rise buildings, but eight out of ten fire deaths occur in the home, and sprinklers are found in only seven per cent of all homes damaged by a fire. The legislature further finds modern construction materials have increased a home's risk to fire. Engineered lumber is used as a composite joist or beam as part of today's modern, lightweight construction material. Compared with traditional wood materials in older homes, lightweight construction assemblies typically collapse in six minutes versus eighteen minutes for wood. Modern furnishings also reach dangerous temperatures much quicker than legacy furnishings. These place occupants and firefighters in extreme peril when a fire occurs in a home without sprinklers. The legislature further finds that smoke alarms and sprinklers can reduce the risk of death in a home by eighty-two per cent. Only the sprinkler head closest to the fire activates and eighty-five per cent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler. Residential fire sprinkler systems also require very little maintenance to ensure that they are operating properly. Currently, California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia require residential sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings. About twenty-two other states do not require sprinklers but allow local jurisdictions to require them. After California required residential sprinklers, the state has not experienced a decrease in the residential construction or sale of new homes. The legislature also finds that providing potential home buyers with information, including the benefits of a fire sprinkler system provided by the state fire council, will allow potential home buyers to make a better informed decision to accept or reject the installation of a fire sprinkler system in a new residence. The purpose of this Act is to provide potential home buyers of one- and two-family dwellings with information on the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system. SECTION 2. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "Part . HOME BUYER FIRE PROTECTION §132- Definitions. As used in this part: "New dwelling" means a new one- or two-family residential dwelling not previously occupied and constructed for residential use. "Owner" means any individual, trustee, partnership, corporation, or other entity owning any estate or interest in a new dwelling. §132- Disclosure of residential fire sprinkler system information. (a) When an application for a permit for a new dwelling is submitted, the building or fire official shall provide the applicant or the applicant's representative with a copy of written materials prepared and adopted by the state fire council that detail the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system. (b) The owner shall choose to accept or reject the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system in the new dwelling. If accepted, the cost of the residential fire sprinkler system shall be the responsibility of the owner. (c) Written materials prepared and adopted by the state fire council as specified under subsection (a) shall be updated as needed." SECTION 3. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by designating sections 132-1 to 132-19 as part I and inserting a title before section 132-1 to read as follows: "PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS" SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050. |
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| 47 | + | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven record of significantly reducing lost life, injury, and property damage. Automatic fire sprinklers are commonly installed in commercial and high-rise buildings, but eight out of ten fire deaths occur in the home, and sprinklers are found in only seven per cent of all homes damaged by a fire. The legislature further finds modern construction materials have increased a home's risk to fire. Engineered lumber is used as a composite joist or beam as part of today's modern, lightweight construction material. Compared with traditional wood materials in older homes, lightweight construction assemblies typically collapse in six minutes versus eighteen minutes for wood. Modern furnishings also reach dangerous temperatures much quicker than legacy furnishings. These place occupants and fire fighters in extreme peril when a fire occurs in a home without sprinklers. The legislature further finds that smoke alarms and sprinklers can reduce the risk of death in a home by eighty-two per cent. Only the sprinkler head closest to the fire activates and eighty-five per cent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler. Residential fire sprinkler systems also require very little maintenance to ensure that they are operating properly. Currently, California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia require residential sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings. About twenty-two other states do not require sprinklers but allow local jurisdictions to require them. After California required residential sprinklers, the state has not experienced a decrease in the residential construction or sale of new homes. The purpose of this Act is to provide potential home buyers of one- and two-family dwellings with information on the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system and a cost estimate for the design, materials, labor, and any associated fees. The information will include the benefits of a fire sprinkler system provided by the state fire council and the cost estimate will be prepared by the county building or fire official. The information will allow the potential home buyer to make an informed decision to accept or reject the installation of a sprinkler system in a new residence. SECTION 2. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "Part . HOME BUYER FIRE PROTECTION §132- Definitions. As used in this part: "Builder" means any individual, trustee, partnership, corporation, or other entity contracting with an owner for the construction of a new dwelling. "Buyer" means any individual, trustee, partnership, corporation, or other entity purchasing any estate or interest in a new dwelling. "New dwelling" means a new one- or two-family residential dwelling not previously occupied and constructed for residential use. §132- Disclosure of automatic fire sprinkler system information. (a) When an application for a permit for a new dwelling is submitted, the building or fire official shall provide the applicant or the applicant's representative with a copy of written materials prepared and promulgated by the state fire council that detail the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system. (b) Prior to approval of the building permit for the new dwelling, the building or fire official shall provide a written cost estimate for the materials, labor, and any applicable permit fees for a residential fire sprinkler system to the applicant or the applicant's representative. (c) Upon its receipt, the applicant or applicant's representative shall provide the written information described in subsections (a) and (b) to the owner. (d) After reviewing the written cost estimate, the owner may choose to accept or reject the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system in the new dwelling. If accepted, the cost of the residential fire sprinkler system shall be the responsibility of the owner. §132- Residential fire sprinkler cost estimate form. The state fire council shall develop a standard form for new construction for the buyer's acceptance or rejection of a residential fire sprinkler system. The form shall include the written cost estimate provided by the building or fire official and on indication that written information on the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system was provided by the state fire council. The state fire council may amend the form as needed." SECTION 3. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by designating sections 132-1 to 132-19, Hawaii Revised Statutes, as part I, entitled "General Provisions". SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________ By Request |
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