HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0281.078 2020-2022 ROTH K I M U R A , LLP
PO Box 624 Holualoa, HI 96725
808-324-6073
shaunroth@alum.mit.edu
"I
August 3,2021
Council Members { -
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo,Hawai'i 96720
Re: Bill 44-Hawaii County Building Code
Dear Council Members; n'~j
Please pass a clean version of Bill 44, adding only the housekeeping amendments in Communication 281.23.
Cost—Per the NAHB studies the transition from the 2006 IRC to 2012 IRC did include some significant
additional building cost across many regions and home types. However,these same organization show that the
2012 IRC to 2018 IRC changes are quite small or result in savings except for areas where the seismic zone is
being raised. In Hawaii County the IRC seismic zone is not changing between the 2012 and 2018 codes.
Tiny Houses—In the current County Code the adoption of Appendix Y,Tiny Houses,does not state which
version of the IRC is to be followed. Bill 44 will clarify this and put the Tiny Houses appendix in the residential
chapter where it belongs. This will make it easier for designers and the County to use this appendix.
Existing Buildings—The 2018 IEBC has more options available than the current code,chapter 34 of the 2006
IBC.
Want to promote lower cost housing?
• Push for adoption of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. In the 2018 version the State has
removed the requirement for unconditioned homes to meet the thermal envelope requirements. With the
2018 version the Counties have the option to exempt unconditioned homes from insulation and window
testing requirements.
• Work with the State to produce a comprehensive and well vetted manufactured housing policy that supports
local labor and local manufacturers.
• Amend the zoning code to utilize our existing infrastructure. For example, create a path for Accessory
Dwelling Units.This would provide another affordable option for housing.
Pleasep ass a clean version of Bill 44.
Aloha,
Shaun Roth,AIA
Comm. No. 1 •��
Ref. To: p I council
Ref. Date AUG - 4 2021