HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPWMT 010 2026-02-04 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE
ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT
DATE: February 4, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 71 l/ Bill No. 127
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill 127,
reports as follows:
Bill 127, transmitted by Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and James Hustace, via
Communication No. 711, dated January 15, 2026, amends Chapter 5 of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the establishment of a construction code
commission.
This bill establishes a construction code commission to advise the Mayor, County Council, and
Director of Public Works on the adoption, updating, amendment, and interpretation of the
County construction codes.
Committee Vice Chair Ashley Kierkiewicz and Committee Chair James Hustace provided
background information.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas commented on her past experience on Council during
construction codes updates and the need to balance the updated State codes and economic
realities. The makeup of the commission provides a voice from those who live or work in the
community and in the field.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi suggested that this construction code commission
work closely with the State Building Code Council to suggest amendments at the state level to
make it easier to adopt any county -specific amendments. Member Onishi also suggested the
need for funding for travel for meetings on Oahu and administrative support.
Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada suggested an amendment to include expertise in building
materials, such as use and application of building materials, in addition to the supply chain and
distribution.
Committee Vice Chair Kierkiewicz asked Corporation Counsel Renee Schoen whether the
county is required to adopt more restrictive provisions in the county construction code. Ms.
Schoen was unsure if the county is only authorized to amend the state codes with more restrictive
provisions and will follow up before the bill is heard by Council.
PCP WMT Report No. 10
PCPWMT-10 Page 2 February 4, 2026
Committee Member Heather L. Kimball cited the state statute and the key is to not defeat the
intent of the state code. Member Onishi recalled a previously adopted amendment to the
Building Code and the need to be mindful of increasing construction costs. Member Kimball also
suggested including experience and expertise from the insurance industry.
Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba requested a representative from the Department of
Public Works appear at the Council meeting for their opinion on the bill.
Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Bill No. 127, and recommends its passage on first reading.
of
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC
WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT
<LWIES E. HUSTACE, CHAIR
PCPWMT REPORT NO.: 10
ADOPTED: FEB 1 R 9n2a
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