SB698 would amend Hawaii’s state building code to require stronger hurricane-resistant construction for certain new housing. Beginning January 1, 2026, all newly constructed single-family residences and apartment buildings located within the designated 130-mile-per-hour wind zone would have to be built to withstand at least a Category 3 hurricane and include a residential safe room with an attached bathroom. Buildings in the 140-mile-per-hour wind zone or higher would have to be built to withstand at least a Category 5 hurricane and include the same safe room feature.
The bill also updates the statutory framework for the Hawaii state building codes to incorporate these hurricane-protection requirements and limits county authority to adopt or update local building codes in ways that would conflict with the new statewide standards. It defines key terms such as “apartment building,” “Category 3 hurricane,” “Category 5 hurricane,” and the relevant wind zones, and it applies only to newly constructed homes and apartment buildings.
Impact
SB698 would create a new statewide hurricane-protection standard within Chapter 107, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and would effectively preempt conflicting county building-code amendments for the covered structures. It would add hurricane-resilience requirements to the list of state building code components, and it would require counties to align their local codes with the new provisions. The practical effect would be to raise construction standards and costs for new single-family homes and apartment buildings in higher-risk wind zones, while potentially improving occupant safety and reducing demand on public shelters during major storms.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and findings reflect strong support for more resilient housing in light of climate change, increasing hurricane risk, and limited shelter capacity. The available legislative record shows no committee transcripts or recorded votes, so there is no documented opposition or amendment debate in the provided materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be framed as a proactive public-safety and disaster-preparedness measure.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is the mandate itself: requiring Category 3 or Category 5 hurricane construction and a safe room with an attached bathroom for new homes and apartment buildings could significantly increase building costs and affect housing affordability. Another potential issue is the bill’s limitation on county discretion, since it would restrict local governments from adopting conflicting building-code updates for the covered structures. The bill also depends on geographic wind-zone determinations, which could raise implementation and enforcement questions, but no specific objections are recorded in the provided history.
Requesting The State Building Code Council To Adopt, Amend, Or Update The State Building Code To Authorize Point Access Block Construction For Residential Buildings Up To Six Stories In The State.
Requesting The State Building Code Council To Adopt, Amend, Or Update The State Building Code To Authorize Point Access Block Construction For Residential Buildings Up To Six Stories In The State.