HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0187.002 2004-2006 From: Wilda [wilda23@flex.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 7:07 PM ~ ;,j ~'ii~;; I I', o
To: hawaii county council
Subject: building code input ~
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Dear Council People, 4-6-2005
Thank you for allowing public input on this vital issue. I have long been dismayed by the thought
that our building code was just copied from mainland codes in the 50's. We live in a very special
area and we deserve a building code that suits our needs and our environment. Safety, of course,
should always be foremost, but we need to be abit taxer than the mainland to allow for our balmy
weather.
For instance, taking advantage of the trade winds and allowing screens, without windows, so long
as there is sufficient overhang would be a nice addition. Allowing composting toilets in lieu of costly
septic systems as an easy add on would be nice. The use of bamboo as a structural building
material would be greatly appreciated. I also like the idea of using recycled materials like paper or
glass as building blocks. We could kill 2 birds with one stone, as they say.
I really like the idea of reduced cost of permits for smaller homes, and DEFINITELY exempting
simple home repairs from needing permits is a giant step in the right direction. Pre-approval of
package homes seems like a no brainer as they have proven their safety, why not make it easier for
us to build suitable structures that we can afford? And then we could use county time
and expertise to approve new & exciting building methods, that could be easily okayed for the next
person down the line if they prove worthy. (Perhaps publishing in the local papers each new building
method that has proven its worth)
Most of all I want us to look at housing and building needs as a way to live safely, cheaply, if we
need to, and taking advantage of what God has given us in the way of weather.
P.S. I work in a state building where we had to buy heaters to warm our individual rooms because
the air conditioning is too cold and unable to turn down for whatever reason, and there are no
windows to open. I ask you, as our elected officials, to look into the reasons why we are building like
this.
Thank you for your time.
Aloha,
Wilda Collins
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