Relating To Hurricane Resistant Criteria.
If enacted, SB5 would amend section 107-27 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, stating that all new state building projects must comply with these hurricane criteria. By doing so, the bill intends to ensure that public buildings can provide adequate shelter and safety to residents in the event of a hurricane or other natural disasters, which is particularly pertinent given Hawaii's vulnerability to such events. This emphasis on disaster resilience could lead to safer public spaces and improved preparedness for future climate-related challenges.
Senate Bill 5 aims to enhance the resilience of public infrastructure in Hawaii by mandating that new state buildings constructed on or after July 1, 2023, will have to consider hurricane resistant criteria in their design and construction. This requirement stems from a previous legislative act, Act 84 of 2018, which was invalidated by the Hawaii Supreme Court. The current bill seeks to address the underlying policy concerns of disaster preparedness that were highlighted in that act and extend them to all state buildings, not just public schools.
While the bill has broad support for its intention to protect residents from natural disasters, there may be concerns or debates regarding the specifics of the hurricane resistant criteria that will be adopted. Stakeholders could raise points about the costs associated with implementing these new standards and whether they may affect the timeline and financial efficiency of state construction projects. Additionally, there might be discussions around balancing these standards with existing county codes and regulations, particularly in areas where local governments have different mandates regarding building practices.