HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	45
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		PROPOSED

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A SUNRISE REVIEW OF THE REGULATION OF PLUMBER AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION PIPEFITTERS, PLUMBER FIRE SPRINKLER PIPEFITTERS, AND PLUMBER SOLAR-THERMAL TECHNICIANS.

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitters, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitters, and plumber solar-thermal technicians are currently not required to have any type of certification or license to practice these occupations; and

     WHEREAS, the rise in demand for more efficient energy systems has resulted in the increasing popularity of and need for the occupations of plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitters, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitters, and plumber solar-thermal technicians; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the average person lacks the necessary knowledge or experience to determine whether the work of a plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitter, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitter, or plumber solar-thermal technician is competent and safe; and

     WHEREAS, to prevent unscrupulous and unqualified persons acting as plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitters, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitters, and plumber solar-thermal technicians from taking undue advantage of customers; and

     WHEREAS, the scope of work and specific qualifications for a plumber air condition and refrigeration pipefitter, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitter, and plumber solar-thermal technician are detailed in the current manuals but not limited to the following: the Uniform Plumbing Code; the Uniform Mechanical Code; and the Uniform Solar Energy Code, as published by the International Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that the regulation of plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitters, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitters, and solar-thermal technicians is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of this State; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2012, the Senate concurring, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a sunrise review of the regulation of plumber air conditioning and refrigeration pipefitters, plumber fire sprinkler pipefitters, and solar-thermal technicians including an assessment of alternative forms of regulation, pursuant to section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2013; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Auditor and the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Report Title: 

Plumber Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Pipefitters; Plumber Fire Sprinkler Pipefitters; Solar-Thermal Technicians