2017-01-20 Letter to Ms. Gladys Marrone re: Opposition to Mandating Fire Sprinklers in All New One and Two Family Dwellings

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Harry Kim Mayor January 20, 2017 Wilfred M. Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director CaUUN Offire of #4r Vor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 Ms. Gladys Marrone, CEO BIA Hawaii Construction Training Center of the Pacific 94-487 Akoki Street Waipahu, HI 96797 Dear Ms. Marrone, Subject: Opposition to Mandating Fire Sprinklers in All New One and Two Family Dwellings The County of Hawaii, support the efforts of BIA Hawaii to remove Section 3 (the Sunset provision) of Act 83, SLH 2012. Removal of the sunset provision in this Act would prohibit the Counties from requiring the installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers or an automatic fire sprinkler system in most new construction of one or two family residential dwellings, which is currently mandated in the International Residential Code (IRC). We understand and respect the position of the Fire Fighters in our community and remain committed to preventing loss of life and property through financially sensible building codes and ongoing community education. At the same time, we in Hawaii are concerned about the dramatic increase in housing prices, especially for our first time home buyers and families. Adding the cost of a new automatic fire sprinkler system and required upgrades to water meters will add to the already high prices of housing in Hawaii. We firmly believe that there are more cost effective methods of addressing the concerns raised by the fire protection organizations. These methods will not only protect fire fighters and homeowners but will NOT significantly increase the price of a new home in Hawaii. As such, we are in full support of the proposed amendment to Act 83, SLH 2012 to delete the sunset provision of the bill. Sincerely, Mayor arry Kim County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.