The bill's primary objective is to eliminate the state building code council, which the legislature believes has not effectively achieved a uniform building code. By repealing this council, Hawaii aims to streamline the process for establishing building standards. The intended outcome is to reduce discrepancies and improve the overall efficiency of the construction process across the state, allowing all counties to adopt more uniform standards that will benefit both building practitioners and consumers alike.
Summary
Senate Bill 49 proposes the repeal of the state building code council in Hawaii, arguing that previous legislative attempts to create a consistent building code across the state have failed. Historically, individual counties have been allowed to establish their own building codes, leading to a fragmented and inconsistent regulatory environment. This lack of uniformity is seen as detrimental to various stakeholders in the construction industry, including builders, architects, and insurers, who struggle with compliance and efficiency due to differing standards from county to county.
Contention
While proponents argue that repealing the state building code council will foster a more uniform approach to building standards, there may be concerns regarding local control. Critics might argue that such a repeal could undermine the ability of individual counties to tailor building codes that address their unique needs and challenges. The debate surrounding the bill may focus on the trade-off between achieving uniformity in building regulations and preserving local autonomy in a matter that has significant community implications.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.