Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR84

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations On The Existing Procedures For The Adoption Of The State Building Code.

Impact

The establishment of this task force, as proposed in SR84, could significantly reform state laws related to building codes, potentially leading to a unified state building code that overrides county-specific codes. This change could simplify the adoption and implementation of building codes across Hawaii, facilitating quicker and more efficient construction practices. Furthermore, by addressing the prolonged durations and financial impacts associated with current procedures, it hopes to stimulate housing production to meet the projected demand, which is crucial for addressing Hawaii's housing crisis.

Summary

Senate Resolution 84 requests the Governor of Hawaii to convene a task force aimed at scrutinizing and proposing changes to the procedures involved in adopting the state building code. This initiative is driven by a recognized need for enhanced housing production, as a 2019 study projected that Hawaii will require over 50,000 new homes by 2025. The resolution acknowledges significant delays and complications in the current building permit processes due to existing laws and county procedures, which have been deemed redundant and financially burdensome for builders and residents alike. The aim of the task force will be to streamline these processes and propose necessary adjustments to the building code systems in place.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding the bill is notably supportive, as it seeks to proactively address a pressing issue within the state—housing availability. Many view this task force as a necessary step to alleviate the bureaucratic barriers that hinder housing development. The resolution has garnered backing from various stakeholders, including builders and local government officials, who recognize the urgency of updating the building code processes to better serve the evolving needs of the community. However, the bill also raises concerns about the effectiveness of current systems, suggesting a need for a thorough evaluation of existing practices.

Contention

While the formation of a task force is largely seen as a positive move, points of contention may arise regarding the balance between state and local governance in building regulation. The discussion around whether to favor a single statewide building code over county codes could lead to debates about local control versus streamlined processes. Although many stakeholders agree on the need for reform, there may be differing opinions on the extent to which county regulations should be integrated or eliminated, highlighting the complexities of addressing local needs against the backdrop of state code efficiency.

Companion Bills

HI HR43

Same As Requesting The Governor To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations On The Existing Procedures For The Adoption Of The State Building Code.

HI SCR91

Same As Requesting The Governor To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations On The Existing Procedures For The Adoption Of The State Building Code.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.