Hawaii House Bill HCR39

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations On The Existing Procedures For The Adoption Of The State Building Code.

Impact

If implemented, the task force would evaluate whether the existing procedures for adopting building codes are relevant and effective. It will assess the competency of county-level regulations versus a potential standardized statewide building code, which could significantly streamline the permit process. This change may alleviate the burdensome, often redundant procedures that currently exist, and ultimately reduce costs and time associated with building permits for both builders and residents.

Summary

HCR39 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Governor of Hawaii to convene a task force aimed at examining and making recommendations regarding the state's building code adoption procedures. The resolution arises from a significant demand for housing, as a report indicated that Hawaii will need an additional 50,156 homes by 2025. The focus is on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the current process to stimulate housing production across various counties in Hawaii.

Contention

While the intent is to expedite housing development, there could be contention around the implications of removing county-specific codes in favor of a more centralized regulation. Critics may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach could hinder local responsiveness to community needs, especially concerning unique environmental and economic circumstances that various counties face. The outcomes of the task force, including potential legislative proposals, are expected to be reported back to the state legislature before the 2025 session.