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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br />COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, <br />LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT <br />DATE: October 17, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 516/13ill No. 84 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:30 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Development, to which was referred Bill <br />No. 84, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 84, transmitted by Committee Member Heather Kimball and Committee Member Susan <br />Lee Loy via Communication No. 516, dated September 27, 2023, amends Chapter 5, Article 4, <br />Section 5-4-7 and Chapter 5, Article 5, Sections 5-5-4 and 5-5-5 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 <br />(2016 Edition, as Amended), Relating to Cancellation of Construction Code Permit Applications, <br />Permit Expirations, and Permit Extensions. <br />The bill seeks to standardize and coordinate various timing elements for applications, extensions, <br />and expirations of Construction Code permits to be in alignment with statutorily required adoption <br />of new Construction Code standards to ensure proposed projects are planned and designed in <br />accordance with updated and modified provisions of the Construction Code. <br />Chief Julann Sonomura and Deputy Chief Kelly Wilson from the Department of Public Works <br />Building Division, and Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance were available in the Kona Chambers <br />for questions. Public Works Director Stephen Pause was available via Zoom for questions. <br />The bill proposed to streamline the building permit application process, enhance efficiency and <br />enforcement of construction timelines, reduce bureaucracy, and foster greater reliability and <br />predictability for both applicants and officials involved. Ms. Kimball and Mr. Pause emphasized <br />that the Building Code provides safeguards to ensure public health, safety and welfare during <br />construction and occupancy. <br />Committee Member Cindy Evans and Committee Member Michelle Galimba queried the rationale <br />behind altering the current Construction Code language. Ms. Sonomura stated the proposed <br />language ensures accountability among construction parties. Ms. Lee Loy underscored the bill's <br />alignment with existing building regulations. Ms. Kimball emphasized that deadlines foster <br />proactive communication and prevent permit application stagnation. Ms. Evans, Ms. Galimba, Ms. <br />Lee Loy and Committee Member Holeka Inaba suggested further explicitness for improved <br />understanding. <br />PCPLUD Report No. 6 <br />