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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0281.040 2020-2022 P/Coun biQ u HAwAiiREGIONAL CARPENTERS July 21, 2021 County of Hawaii County Council Hawaii County Building The Honorable Maile Medeiros David, Chair The Honorable Aaron S.Y.Chung,Vice Chair Statement of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters—Support for Bill 44 Relating to the County Construction Code The Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters would like to offer their support for Council Member Villegas' proposed amendments in communication 281.17 Currently the language under subsection SB-2-1(a)of Bill 44 would allow the current code to be amended by administrative rules, and the proposed amendments clarify administrative rules must be subject to ordinances that have passed the legislative process. To put it simply,we find it troubling that Bill 44 allows the department the ability to"create" a rule that could be completely contrary to a code that has been passed and adopted through the council,thereby violating the separation of powers between the administrative and legislative bodies. For example, if the council amended the code that allowed for less onerous(and cheaper)sheathing requirements,should the department then be able to "create"an administrative rule that then forced builders to construct with greater sheathing requirement which added costs? Why should the code even pass through the legislative body,if the department currently has the power to change those requirements in an obscure "rule making" process? We are also in support of proposed amendments under SB-3-22 relating to 0101.7 that would keep work accessible to inspectors to insure all homes are properly inspected by county building officials. The importance of the inspection process, particularly when it comes to plumbing and electrical fixtures, is a crucial element of ensuring the health and safety of the public. What if a plumbing,or electrical,fixture inside an enclosed wall has been incorrectly installed? STATE HEADQUARTERS & BUSINESS OFFICES OAHU; 1.31.1 Houghtaiiling Street Honolulu Hawaii 96917-2712 • Ph.(808)847-5761 Fax(809)440-9188 HILO OFFICE: 525 Kilauea Avenue,Room 205,Hilo,Hawaii 96720-3050 Ph.(908)935-8575 Fax(808)93,-8r,76 KONA OFFICE: 75-126 Lunapule Road,Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740-2106 Ph.(808)329-7355 Pax(.808)326-9376 MAUI OFFICE: 330 Hookahi Streec,W:ailuku,lklaui 96793-1449 • Ph.(808)24.2-6891 Fax(808)242-5961. KAUAI OFFICE: Kuhio Medical Ctr Bldg.,3-3295 Ktahio Hwy,Suite 201,Llhue,Kauai 96766-1040 • Ph.(808)245-851 I Fax(908)215-8411 UOrnYYi. Ref.To: Ref.Df i qw-� HAwAiiREGIONAL COUNCIL CARPENTERS Without accessibility to the structures and components at the jobsite, inspectors could be unwittingly certifying an unsafe structure,creating a whole series of buildings where the county now bears liability if injury would occur. One need only look at the current litigation surround the Seaside Condominium in Florida to understand the safety implications of hidden construction defects that do not appear until it is too late. Furthermore,the proposed amendments under 5B-3-22, 0101.7 regarding special inspections are especially important to ensure that health and safety requirements are satisfied. With the current focus on building safety,we find it odd that without the amendments, Bill 44 is moving toward a regime of less inspections in an County where climate change is perpetuating larger storms, more frequent earthquakes, and higher tides. STATE HEADQUARTERS & BUSINESS OFFICES OAHU: 1.31.1 Houghttiling Street,Honolulu Hawaii%817-2712 • Ph.(308)847-5761 Fax(8081140-9188 HILO OFFICE: 525 Kilauea ilvenue,Room 205,Hilo,Hawaii 96720-3050 - Ph.(808)935-8575 Fax(808)935-8576 KONA OFFICE; 75-126 Lunapule Road,Kailua-Kana,Iiawaii 96740-2106 • Ph.(808)329-7355 Fax(808)326-9376 MAUI OFFICE: 330 Hoof ihi SLreet,Wailuku,Maui 96793-1449 • Ph.(808)24'2-6891 Fax(808)242-596 t KAUAI OFFICE: Kuhio Medicnl Ctr Bldg.,3-3295 Kuhio Hwy,Suite 201,L3hue,Kauai 96766-1040 Ph.(808)245-8511 Fax(80£3}245-8911