HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2364 |
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to public safety.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, prohibits the counties from requiring the use and installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet fire fighting road access or water supply requirements. The legislature also finds that prohibiting measures that may be considered and adopted at a local level to reduce fire casualties and property losses is not in the best interest of public health and safety. The legislature finds that the installation, use, and application of fire sprinkler systems in residential structures has a significant impact on the safety of the building occupants and has proven to increase occupant survivability by eighty per cent. Further, the use and application of residential fire sprinkler systems may greatly reduce or inhibit the spread of a fire, thereby reducing property damage and loss. The legislature also finds that the use of fire sprinkler systems reduces the intensity, severity, and spread or extension of fires in residential structures which, due to their typical contents and arrangement, may be particularly volatile and prone to develop more rapidly into more serious conditions.
The legislature finds that the respective counties face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection, including urban population density, proximity of structures and unique residential building spacing or setbacks, limited infrastructure, challenges related to accessing structures, and limited fire protection response resources. Through this Act, the legislature recognizes individual county authority, or home rule, as the appropriate means of establishing fire safety requirements.
SECTION 2. Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, is repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Public Safety; Fire Protection
Description:
Authorizes counties to require the installation of residential fire protection sprinkler systems by repealing Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.