Relating To The State Building Code Council.
This legislation introduces several significant changes to the State Building Code Council. Most notably, it requires all council members to possess substantial experience and knowledge regarding building codes and the implications of revisions. Additionally, it expands the council's membership to include representatives from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and construction trade unions, further diversifying the perspectives and expertise within the council. This feature aims to help ensure amendments to building codes are thoroughly reviewed and that financial interests are transparently disclosed.
Senate Bill 1407 aims to amend the structure and procedural operations of the State Building Code Council in Hawaii. The bill reflects legislative findings that the current council struggles with limited funding, insufficient staffing, and a lack of knowledgeable members, which leads to delays and increased costs in construction-related amendments. It seeks to establish a more effective and efficient framework for managing Hawaii's building codes, thereby ensuring that they adequately reflect both health and safety concerns while also considering the economic impact of amendments on construction costs.
One of the main points of contention regarding SB1407 is the burden placed on the council to frequently update building codes to reflect the International Building Code (IBC), which is updated every three years. The procedures for adopting these codes at the county level often lead to delays and increased construction costs. Critics of the current practice argue that the frequent updates can create uncertainty and may inadvertently raise costs for consumers. This bill proposes to reduce the frequency of code adoption to every six years, which has been seen as an attempt to balance the need for updated safety standards with the economic realities of construction in Hawaii.