Hawaii Senate Bill SR155

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/1/22
• Passed: 4/4/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Fund The Establishment Of One Full-time Equivalent Program Director Position, One Full-time Staff Member Position, And Costs Necessary To Establish A Full-time State Building Code Council Office.

Impact

If funded, the proposed positions—which include one full-time program director and an additional staff member—are expected to improve the council's efficiency in maintaining and updating the Hawaii State Building Codes. This effort aims to ensure that these codes remain current and relevant, particularly as international building codes are updated every three years. The resolution highlights the significant importance of having trained professionals within the council, who can address the complexities associated with building code revisions and their cost implications.

Summary

Senate Resolution 155 requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to allocate funding for the establishment of a full-time State Building Code Council office. This resolution stems from the need to enhance the operational capabilities of the State Building Code Council, which was originally formed to implement uniform building codes across Hawaii. Currently, the council faces challenges due to limited funding and staffing, hindering its ability to effectively update and enforce building codes that are essential for public health and safety.

Contention

A noteworthy point of contention regarding Senate Resolution 155 revolves around the provision for potentially adopting amendments to the state building codes without adequate analysis of their economic impact. Critics argue that revisions might be influenced by stakeholders in the private sector who could financially benefit from such changes. Therefore, ensuring that amendments undergo thorough scrutiny to consider community needs and construction costs appears contentious, as some fear that without this oversight, the integrity of the building codes may be compromised.