Laserfiche WebLink
PWMTC-20 Page 3 December 17,2019 <br /> Mr. Tanaka said he did not have the numbers in front of him, but there was an analysis done to justify <br /> the costs. Mr. Richards replied that he appreciated taking the elevation threshold from 2,400 feet to <br /> 5,000 feet. <br /> Council Member Rebecca Villegas also thanked the Division for their work, and for taking the time to <br /> sit down and walk through the exceptions, to take into account the unique ecosystems and weather <br /> patterns on Hawaii Island. She was also grateful the Division did not take the path of implementing <br /> laws and requirements that discourage the construction of affordable housing. The average affordable <br /> home is 1,100 square feet, so it made sense to apply that norm for affordable housing, as well as <br /> transitions in elevation. She noted that the bill only applies to new construction or renovations that <br /> include air conditioning. <br /> Ms. Villegas felt the bill covers many details and provided background information that allows for a <br /> variety of options so that people need not be burdened by exceptional financial costs. This really allows <br /> for continued wise growth and development, she said. <br /> Council Member Aaron Chung told of how he first heard about the County not acting on the Energy <br /> Code in May from Ms. Lee Loy. He wanted to credit everyone involved in getting the bill done in the <br /> ensuing seven months. You did it the right way, he said, by engaging all stakeholders,the <br /> Administration, reached out to Council Members, and explained the provisions in very understandable <br /> terms. They made it understandable,he said. In terms of process or processes, this is how it is supposed <br /> to work. <br /> Mr. Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder said he attended a few meetings with contractors and the public, and <br /> remarked favorably on the process that led to Bill No. 126. He singled out Mr. Tanaka, Ms. Matsumoto, <br /> and"legislation genius" Ms. Chow, for their work. <br /> What we are doing is providing better housing that's better built, that equals less costs on the back end <br /> of a building,he said. Put a little bit more money into a building, have a cooler more efficient house, he <br /> said. He appreciated everyone who put all the effort into this bill, and expressed his support for it. <br /> Chair Lee Loy noted receiving testimony that sought more collaboration. She wanted to give an <br /> opportunity for the department to go back and address some of the questions for clarification. She asked <br /> her colleagues to weigh in on postponing the bill to another Committee agenda or advancing it to <br /> Council. She also noted that Bill No. 126 is just one of five more code amendments that will be coming <br /> forward and hoped that this would serve as the model for developing and rolling out future legislation. <br /> She also called for funding for staff training to be addressed in the next fiscal year. <br /> Mr. Tanaka, a member of the State Building Council, said he would invite all the design professionals <br /> on the island to help him advocate for the County at that level. With all of our voices combined <br /> together, the possibility exists of moving in amendments at that level for our County to support, without <br /> coming off as too onerous, he said. We are open to that collaboration, he said. <br /> Mr. Richards spoke against a potential postponement, and supported advancing the bill to the Council, <br /> noting there still is time to address amendments on first reading. Absent a motion to postpone, or any <br /> further discussion, Mr. Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder proceeded to the vote. <br /> PWMTC Report No.:20 <br />