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REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE <br />ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT <br />DATE: February 4, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 71 l/ Bill No. 127 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 10:30 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill 127, <br />reports as follows: <br />Bill 127, transmitted by Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and James Hustace, via <br />Communication No. 711, dated January 15, 2026, amends Chapter 5 of the Hawaii County Code <br />1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the establishment of a construction code <br />commission. <br />This bill establishes a construction code commission to advise the Mayor, County Council, and <br />Director of Public Works on the adoption, updating, amendment, and interpretation of the <br />County construction codes. <br />Committee Vice Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz and Committee Chair James Hustace provided <br />background information. <br />Committee Member Rebecca Villegas commented on her past experience on Council during <br />construction codes updates and the need to balance the updated State codes and economic <br />realities. The makeup of the commission provides a voice from those who live or work in the <br />community and in the field. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi suggested that this construction code commission <br />work closely with the State Building Code Council to suggest amendments at the state level to <br />make it easier to adopt any county -specific amendments. Member Onishi also suggested the <br />need for funding for travel for meetings on Oahu and administrative support. <br />Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada suggested an amendment to include expertise in building <br />materials, such as use and application of building materials, in addition to the supply chain and <br />distribution. <br />Committee Vice Chair Kierkiewicz asked Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen whether the <br />county is required to adopt more restrictive provisions in the county construction code. Ms. <br />Schoen was unsure if the county is only authorized to amend the state codes with more restrictive <br />provisions and will follow up before the bill is heard by Council. <br />PCP WMT Report No. 10 <br />