THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	212
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the state building code.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, established the adoption of a uniform set of statewide building codes to apply consistent standards for design and construction of all state buildings.  Act 82 also established that the counties would have two years from the adoption of the state building code to adopt their own amendments.

     The legislature finds that two years is not a reasonable or practical amount of time for the counties to adopt their amendments.  Additionally, an unintended consequence of a two-year adoption cycle is the rapid rise in the cost of construction due to the constant change in building materials and standards.  Many state building code councils across the country are moving toward a six-year adoption cycle.

     The purpose of this Act is to allow the counties six years to adopt their amendments to the state building code and permit the counties to apply their most recently adopted building code until their new amendments are adopted.

     SECTION 2.  Section 107-28, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§107-28[]]  County building code authority to amend the state model building code without state approval.  (a)  The governing body of each county shall amend the state building code as it applies within its respective jurisdiction, in accordance with section 46-1.5(13), without approval of the council.  Each county shall use the model codes and standards listed in section 107-25, as the referenced model building codes and standards for its respective county building code ordinance, no later than [two] six years after the adoption of the state building code.

     (b)  If a county does not amend the statewide model code within the [two-year] six-year time frame, the existing county building code is applicable, and the state building code [shall become applicable as an interim county building code until the county adopts the amendments.] may be used as a reference."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Building Code; County Amendments

Description:

Allows the counties six years to adopt their amendments to the state building code and permits the counties to apply their most recently adopted building code until the new amendments are adopted; the state building code may be used as a reference during this time frame.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.