Requires counties to amend their building codes to provide for stricter standards in new residential and commercial construction to mandate life-saving flood and wind protection and reduce the effects of natural or manmade disasters.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46- Disaster mitigation standards for building design and construction. (a) Disaster mitigation standards based on design requirements for withstanding the effects of floods, winds, and natural or manmade disaster shall be incorporated by each county into its building code by July 1, 2007. The standards shall apply to all buildings that begin construction on or after July 1, 2007.

(b) The disaster mitigation standards shall be enforced at the time of construction of a new building, whether residential or commercial, or at the time of a major addition, alteration, or repair of an existing building when the proposed major addition, alteration, or repair is required to comply with the standards applicable to new buildings under the applicable county building code. No official of the State or of any county charged with the enforcement of laws or ordinances pertaining to the construction or alteration of buildings or structures shall accept or approve any plan or specification including or pertaining to the design and construction details unless the standards for disaster mitigation are met. All plans and specifications submitted with or in connection with an application for a building or construction permit shall bear the certification by a registered architect or engineer that the plans and specifications comply with the disaster mitigation standards."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.