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HCR 86

REQUESTING THE STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL AND THE COUNTIES TO ADOPT, AMEND, OR UPDATE THE STATE BUILDING CODES AND COUNTY BUILDING CODES TO INCORPORATE CERTAIN STANDARDS FOR OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Luke Evslin and 7 co-sponsors

Hawaii resolution urges state and county governments to adopt building code standards for modular off-site construction to potentially reduce housing costs and development timelines.

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Bill Summary · HCR 86

Legislative bill overview

HCR 86 is a resolution requesting that Hawaii's State Building Code Council and county governments adopt or update their building codes to include standards for off-site construction (modular and prefabricated building methods). The bill does not mandate changes but formally urges these regulatory bodies to establish frameworks that allow for factory-constructed components assembled on-site.

Why is this important

Off-site construction can reduce housing costs, construction timelines, and on-site labor demands—potentially addressing Hawaii's severe housing affordability crisis. Integrating these methods into official building codes would provide developers legal certainty and could accelerate residential and commercial development across the islands.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost of code updates: State and county governments must invest time and resources to study, develop, and implement new standards, with unclear funding mechanisms
  • Labor union concerns: Increased prefabrication may reduce on-site construction jobs, affecting local trade workers and union employment
  • Quality and safety standards: Questions remain about whether modular construction adequately meets Hawaii's specific environmental conditions (salt air, seismic activity, hurricane-resistant design requirements)
  • Local control: Some counties may resist state-level pressure to standardize codes, preferring independent regulatory authority

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

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