STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2104

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2011

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2011 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require sellers of residential buildings or structures to equip the buildings or structures with approved smoke alarms in accordance with current state or county building or residential codes.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Fire Council, Maui Department of Fire & Public Safety, and Honolulu Fire Department.

Your Committee finds that existing building codes require new or renovated homes to have smoke alarms in and outside of every bedroom and on every level. Smoke alarms are a simple, low cost, and proven solution that can help save lives in residential structures should a fire occur. Extending the requirement to require sellers of existing residential buildings and structures to install smoke alarms can play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2011 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair