HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	225
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

URGING THE USE OF CERTIFIED FIRE-RETARDANT COATINGS IN NEWLY- CONSTRUCTED ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS, AND IN CONDOMINIUMS AND OTHER HIGH RISES THAT DO NOT HAVE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

     WHEREAS, the State is concerned with providing fire protection to its citizens and its citizens' property; and

     WHEREAS, the State is also concerned with protecting the lives of fire fighters who respond to fire emergencies throughout Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, certified fire-retardant coatings are currently available that comply with the standards provided in the International Fire Code; and

     WHEREAS, these certified fire-retardant coatings provide the following benefits with respect to fire safety:

     (1)  Significant smoke reduction, even under very high heat intensities;

     (2)  Reduced flames on many types of combustible surfaces;

     (3)  Reduced production of toxins upon combustion;

     (4)  Increased ignition resistance; and

     (5)  Lowered thermal conductivity;

and

     WHEREAS, these fire-retardant coatings typically cost, on average, $300 more than ordinary paint used for one- and two- family residential dwellings; and
     WHEREAS, when these fire-retardant coatings are applied to the interior of dwellings, they maintain their fire-retardant qualities and effectiveness for many years without further application; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the residents of the State of Hawaii that improvements in fire prevention be applied in dwellings; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Building Industry Association of Hawaii are urged to use certified fire-retardant coatings in newly-constructed one- and two-family residential dwellings throughout the State, when appropriate, after January 1, 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Building Code Council is urged to:

(1)  Require the use of certified fire-retardant coatings in condominiums and other high rises that do not have sprinkler systems installed; and

(2)  Inform developers and contractors of certified fire-retardant coatings;

and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii, President of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, Chairperson of the State Building Code Council, Chairperson of the State Fire Council, and Fire Chief of each county.

Report Title: 

Fire Sprinklers; Fire-Retardant Coating; Dwellings