Hawaii House Bill HR43

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Report Pass: 4/24/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

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

This resolution would initiate a comprehensive review of how the State Building Code is adopted and whether it could be more efficiently handled through a unified statewide code rather than varying county codes. By potentially consolidating building codes, the state aims to streamline procedures that are currently seen as redundant, costly, and time-consuming. This could lead to faster housing production and lower construction costs, helping to meet the urgent need for more homes in Hawaii's distinct communities.

Summary

House Resolution 43 (HR43) seeks to address Hawaii's housing shortage by requesting the Governor to convene a task force that will examine and provide recommendations on the procedures for adopting the State Building Code. The impetus for this resolution stems from a report indicating that Hawaii needs over 50,000 new homes by 2025, including significant targets for each county. The current state of building procedures has been cited as a contributing factor to the slow pace of housing development, necessitating a review and potential overhaul of the process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR43 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers and stakeholders in the construction industry, who recognize the pressing need for more housing development in light of the projected demand. However, concerns exist regarding the implications of a single statewide building code, particularly the potential loss of local control over building regulations that might reflect the unique needs and challenges of different communities. As such, while there is optimism about improving building efficiency, there is also caution about regional specificity.

Contention

Notable points of contention include whether county codes should be entirely replaced by a single statewide code, which opponents argue could neglect local contexts and priorities. The task force proposed by HR43 will need to consider these critical aspects, including the financial implications of code changes on construction costs and how they could affect housing prices for future buyers. Ultimately, the outcome of this initiative could reshape construction standards and housing policies significantly across the state.