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Bill

Bill

HB 2089

RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODE.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Micah Aiu and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2089 updates Hawaiʻi's building codes to align with national standards, enhancing safety and energy efficiency for builders, homeowners, and local governments.

Reported from GVO (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3298) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC.
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Bill Summary · HB 2089

Summary of Bill HB 2089: Relating to the State Building Code

Purpose and Intent

Bill HB 2089 aims to update and enhance the Hawaiʻi State Building Code by aligning it with the latest standards set forth in the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). The intent is to ensure that building practices in Hawaiʻi meet current safety, sustainability, and efficiency standards, thereby improving public safety and environmental outcomes.

Key Provisions

  • Adoption of Updated Codes: The bill proposes the adoption of the most recent versions of the IBC and IRC, which include updated safety measures, energy efficiency standards, and construction practices.
  • State Building Code Council: The bill mandates the State Building Code Council to review and recommend updates to the building code on a regular basis, ensuring that the code remains current with national standards.
  • Code Cycles: Establishes a timeline for the review and adoption of building codes, promoting a systematic approach to updates and revisions.
  • County Compliance: Requires counties to adopt the updated state building codes within a specified timeframe, ensuring uniformity across the state.

Impact

  • Construction Industry: The bill will directly affect builders, contractors, and architects by requiring them to comply with updated building codes, which may involve additional training and adjustments to current practices.
  • Homeowners and Residents: Enhanced building codes are expected to improve safety and energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings, benefiting the general public.
  • Local Governments: Counties will need to allocate resources for the implementation and enforcement of the updated codes, which may involve training personnel and updating local regulations.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 19, 2024
  • First Reading: March 7, 2024
  • Passed Second Reading: March 22, 2024 (as amended)
  • Referral to JDC: Following the second reading, the bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill has undergone several amendments and has been reported favorably by multiple committees, including the Government Operations (GVO) and the Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC) committees.
  • Public hearings have been scheduled to gather input from stakeholders, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the legislative process.

Conclusion

HB 2089 represents a significant step towards modernizing Hawaiʻi's building codes, promoting safety, sustainability, and compliance with national standards. As it progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders are encouraged to engage and provide feedback to ensure the bill meets the needs of the community effectively.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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