Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development To Conduct A Comprehensive Review Of The Boiler And Elevator Inspection Branch To Increase Personnel Recruitment And Retention.
The resolution emphasizes the necessity for an adequate workforce to perform inspections on pressure-retaining equipment, such as elevators and boilers. With a reported backlog of approximately 7,438 elevator inspections required for 2024, the resolution highlights the urgent need for reforms. Backlogs in inspections can lead to safety issues for existing structures and hinder the progress of new construction projects, thus impacting the economic health and safety standards within the state.
SCR55 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that requests the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch. This initiative aims to address significant staffing shortages and enhance personnel recruitment and retention within the branch, which is essential for the proper functioning and safety of elevators and boilers in the state. The current staffing level has been drastically reduced to only nineteen authorized positions, leading to a critical backlog of inspections that poses risks to public safety and delays in construction projects.
Ultimately, SCR55 aims to bolster the state's capacity to effectively oversee the safe operation of crucial infrastructure elements. By addressing these staffing challenges and analyzing operational efficiencies, the resolution seeks to ensure that Hawaii's Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch operates at an optimal capacity, safeguarding public safety and facilitating economic development in the state.
In addition to staffing concerns, the resolution advocates for a comparative analysis of the Boiler and Elevator Inspection Branch with similar regulatory bodies in neighboring states like California, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. This analysis aims to identify best practices and potential improvements that can help resolve the existing staffing and salary issues. The resolution indicates that the current salary scales for inspectors may need adjustments to make them competitive with the private sector, where entry-level positions earn significantly more than their public sector counterparts.