HB745 revises Hawaii’s building code framework by changing how state and county building codes interact. The bill provides that once the International Code Council’s 2024 suite of codes is adopted as the Hawaii state building code, those state codes will supersede all existing county building codes. After that point, counties would still be able to amend the Hawaii state building code, but only as it applies within their own jurisdiction.
The bill also repeals the current statute that expressly authorizes counties to independently adopt, amend, and update the Hawaii state building codes without council approval. In effect, HB745 centralizes the baseline building code authority at the state level while preserving a narrower county role for local amendments after state adoption of the 2024 code suite. The bill continues to reference the state fire code, plumbing, electrical, energy conservation, hurricane-resistant design standards, and other nationally published standards already incorporated into Hawaii’s code structure.
Impact
HB745 would amend section 107-25 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes and repeal section 107-28, altering the legal relationship between state and county building code authority. The practical effect is to make the most recent state-adopted building code the controlling code statewide once the 2024 ICC suite is adopted, displacing existing county codes. Counties would lose their current independent authority to adopt and update building codes on their own timetable, though they could still make jurisdiction-specific amendments after the state code takes effect.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and report description, the measure appears administrative and technical in nature, aimed at updating and standardizing building code governance rather than advancing a controversial policy change. The overall tone of the bill materials is neutral and procedural.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the shift in authority from counties to the state. Counties would no longer be able to independently adopt, amend, and update their building codes without state-level sequencing, which could be viewed as reducing local control and flexibility. Supporters would likely favor statewide consistency, faster alignment with the 2024 ICC codes, and clearer uniform standards, while local governments or stakeholders concerned about regional conditions may object to the loss of independent county code-setting authority.