RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, construction spending in Hawaii in 2004 totaled approximately $4.6 billion, is projected to reach approximately $5.4 billion in 2005, and is forecast to continue growing in the future; and

WHEREAS, increased construction activity is likely to result in a shortage of qualified workers, especially in the licensed trades; and

WHEREAS, the State has electrical and plumbing licensing laws to ensure quality workmanship and the safety of workers and consumers; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is charged with the enforcement of these laws; and

WHEREAS, effective enforcement of the licensing laws promotes a healthy business climate for law-abiding electricians, plumbers, and electrical and plumbing contractors, and protects consumers and the public; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of Representatives concurring, that DCCA is requested to actively and aggressively enforce Hawaii's electrical and plumbing licensing laws; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in furtherance thereof, DCCA is requested to convene a task force comprised of one representative of each of the following entities: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186, Plumbers-Fitters Local 675, Electrical Contractors Association of Hawaii, Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawaii, Board of Electricians and Plumbers, and Regulated Industries Complaints Office; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to review the department's current efforts and practices in the enforcement of the State's electrical and plumbing licensing laws and to develop strategies to improve and strengthen these efforts and practices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DCCA is requested to report to the Legislature regarding the task force's findings and recommendations no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186, Plumbers-Fitters Local 675, Electrical Contractors Association of Hawaii, and Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawaii.

Report Title:

Electrical and Plumbing Licensing; Enforcement; Task Force