STAND. COM. REP. NO. 907

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 148

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 148 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FIRE PROTECTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to specify the allowable fire protection systems certifications that an individual may obtain.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Fire Council, Honolulu Fire Department, Maui Fire Department, Hawai‘i Fire Department, and Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the State Fire Council is authorized to establish statewide qualifications for testing, certifying, and credentialing those individuals who perform maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers, fire protection systems, and fire alarm systems. Your Committee further finds that fire safety systems require routine maintenance to ensure reliable operability when used by fire fighters and protect building occupants and fire fighters during emergency situations. This measure specifies additional distinct fire protection system licenses that individuals are required to obtain for performing maintenance and testing of fire safety systems, which will more closely align the state fire code with nationally recognized standards.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 148 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair