Hawaii Senate Bill SR177

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Requesting The Director Of The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs And The Contractors License Board To Ensure That The Contractors License Board Includes At Least Two Members With Expertise In Specialty Structural Contracting.

Impact

The resolution aims to amend the composition of the Contractors License Board to emphasize the need for expertise in structural contracting, thereby enhancing public safety. By ensuring that members of the board include representatives from specific structural trades, SR177 seeks to hold the contractors accountable for maintaining safety standards and construction quality. This change reflects an increasing recognition of the necessity for qualified oversight in construction practices that can significantly affect community safety and welfare.

Summary

Senate Resolution 177 (SR177) calls for the Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Contractors License Board to ensure that the board includes at least two members who have expertise in specialty structural contracting. This resolution stems from concerns over public safety regarding the qualifications of contractors responsible for significant construction projects, particularly those involving structural integrity, such as steel structures and specialized welding services.

Contention

One notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding SR177 is the concern about the automatic licensing of general contractors. Currently, General Engineering and General Building Contractor licenses grant numerous specialty classifications without requiring additional qualification assessments. This practice may potentially undermine the integrity and safety of constructions if contractors lack necessary specialized knowledge, leading to debates over regulatory adequacy in the construction industry.