Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 1590 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to eliminate annual fire safety inspections of state-owned and county-owned buildings in favor of a periodic inspection schedule governed by section 132-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes. In addition, this measure clarifies that fire personnel designated by the respective county fire chief, in addition to the fire chief, may enter a private dwelling for inspection.

Your Committees received testimony in favor of this measure from the Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai Fire Departments, and the State Fire Council.

Your Committees find that section 132-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, requires a fire inspection at least once a year for public schools and every two years, or as often as necessary for other areas. This is a more flexible schedule that does not compromise fire safety for state-owned and county-owned buildings. By allowing county fire chief designees to conduct private dwelling inspections, county fire chiefs will maintain responsibility and control over these inspections, while being able to delegate these duties to subordinates.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1590 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.