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Bill

Bill

SB 698

RELATING TO THE STATE BUILDING CODES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 2 co-sponsors

SB 698 modifies Hawaii's state building codes; passed first reading but lacks publicly available details on specific provisions or impacts.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#hurricaneprotection #statebuildingcodes
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Bill Summary · SB 698

Legislative bill overview

SB 698 relates to modifications of Hawaii's state building codes, though the bill's specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative history. The bill was introduced on January 17, 2025, passed first reading, and was referred to the Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) and Ways and Means (WAM) committees before being carried over to the 2026 session.

Why is this important

Building codes directly affect construction costs, safety standards, energy efficiency, and housing affordability across the state. Changes to Hawaii's codes can have substantial impacts on residential and commercial development, infrastructure resilience (particularly important given Hawaii's exposure to natural disasters and climate risks), and the state's economic competitiveness for building projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing affordability vs. code stringency: Stricter building codes improve safety and efficiency but increase construction costs, which may worsen Hawaii's already severe housing affordability crisis
  • Industry compliance burden: Contractors and developers may face increased costs and timeline delays if codes become more restrictive, particularly for small businesses
  • Alignment with federal standards: Questions about whether Hawaii's codes should exceed national standards or maintain consistency for interstate contractor familiarity

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

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