COM 0141.006 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SECTION 4. Chapter 5, Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended) is amended by adding an article to read as follows: "Article 3. Indigenous Architecture. Section 5-3.1 Policy. This code shall be administered with due consideration given to the County policy that indigenous Hawaiian architecture furthers the County's compelling interests in cultural, environmental, and historic preservation; energy efficiency; economic development; aesthetic beauty; and public safety. For purposes of this section, indigenous Hawaiian architecture includes any of the predominant architectural practices, customs, styles, and techniques historically employed by the native residents of the Hawaiian Islands, including structures comprised of either rock walls or wood frames for the bottom portion of structures and thatch of different native grasses and leaves for the roof. Section 5-3.2 Rules. The building official shall adopt rules to further the County policy on indigenous Hawaiian architecture. Section 5-3.3 Bill. Within twenty-four months of this division's effective date, the building official shall submit a proposed bill to the council to revise this chapter with the purpose of more equitably and efficiently furthering the County policy on indigenous Hawaiian architecture. The proposed bill shall contain rules that specifically identify predominant architectural practices, customs, styles, and techniques historically employed by the native residents of the Hawaiian Islands and their descendants. The rules shall express general approval of such practices, customs, styles, and techniques, to the extent that they do not conflict with the building code's overall purposes. Section 5-3.4. Alternate materials, alternate design and methods of construction. (a) The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, alternate design or method of construction not specifically prescribed in this code, including elements based on or inspired by principles of indigenous architecture, such as those associated with structures comprised of either rock walls or wood frames for the bottom portion of structures and thatch of different native grasses and leaves for the roof, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the building official. (b) The building official may approve any such alternate, provided the building official has previously granted an exception and the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety, and sanitation. (c) The following materials are examples of the types of materials that may be considered by the building official, if used for the construction or renovation of a structure that is based on or inspired by principles of indigenous architecture: (1) Wood for house timbers (walls): hamau, kauila, lama, nioi, and 'ohi'a; and 9