HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 017 03/17/2009 2008-20100
REPORT OF THE
0
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: March 17, 2009
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Rc: Comm. No. 1514/Bill 385
Your Committee on Public Works and hltergovermnental Relations, to which was referred
Communication No. 1514, regarding Bill 385, reports as follows:
Bill 385, transmitted by Councilmember, Pete Hoffmann, via Communication No. 1514, dated
.luly 24, 2008 amends Chapter 5, Article 2 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as
amended), relating to Building Energy Efficiency Standards
The intent of this amendment repeals Chapter 5, Article 2 of the Hawaii County Code, relating
to Building Energy Efficiency Standards and incorporating the International Energy
Conservation Code. Furthermore, Mr. Hoffmann explains that the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC) encourages energy conservation through efficiency in envelope
design, mechanical systems, lighting systems and the use of new materials and techniques. It is a
product of the International Code Council - a membership association dedicated to building
safety and fire prevention that develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial
buildings, including homes and schools.
Howard C. Wiig, Institutional Energy Analyst- Energy, Resources and Technology Division of
the I-Iawai`i State Department of Business, F_couomic Development and Tourism (DBEDT),
appeared before Committee members during discussion. Mr. Wiig added that the Hawaii
Statewide IECC Building Council is comprised of Co~mty Building Directors Prom each island.
He also cited HRS 107-28; County Building Code authority to amend the State model Building
Code without State approval. Furthermore, he stated the other cowrties adopted the IECC in
1999, and that Hawaii County currently operates under ] 989 Codes which is not energy
efficient. If passed, Hawaii County's initiative of being energy efficient will be updated under
the IECC 2006 codes that is comparable and consistent to other counties outside of Hawaii.
On October 21, 2008, proposed Bill 385 was postponed. It was moved and duly approved on
January 6, 2009 that this proposed bill be held over for two public hearings on February 2, 2009
in Hilo and February 17, 2009 in Kona.
There was testimony from the public in support of this proposed bill.
PWIRC Rl'"C NO. 17
Communication No. 1514
Bill 385
Page 2
Connnunication 141.7 dated March 17, 2009 transmits a proposed amendment by
Councilmember Pete Hoffmann. He explains deleting Chapter 5, Article 2 of the Hawaii
Comity Code, caused the deletion oP provisions for indigenous Architecture created by
Ordinance No. 07-164. "fhis amendment proposes that Bill 385 includes Section 4, which
creates a new article (article 3) to retain those provisions relating to Indigenous Architecture.
Councilmember Pete Hoffmann seeks the support of his colleagues on this proposed amendment
and bill to update Hawaii County Building Codes.
Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford relinquished her seat to Vice Chair Kelly Greeuwell.
Discussion among the Conunittee members was of postponement allowing members time to
review proposed amendments, as transmitted by Communication 141.7, concerns of jeopardizing
federal stimulus funding if action on this proposed bill is delayed and Department of Public
Works (DPW) Director Warren Lee's position on this issue. This was moved and duly approved
to recess until the end of calendar to locate and request DPW Director Lee to appear before the
Committee.
The meeting was reconvened at 6:15 p.m. DPW Director Lee appeared before your Committee.
Councilmember Brenda J. Ford inquired about his support for this proposed bill and its
amendment Mr. Lee supports both the proposed bill and amendment Furthermore, he supports
Department of Public Works, building Division Chief Brian Kajikawa, as part of the Hawaii
Statewide IECC Building Council, proactively working to ensure this International Code meets
the specific needs of our State and its respective counties.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Bill 385, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its passage on first reading.
dkr
AYES NOES A&E EX
ENRiQUES X ~
FORD X
GREENWELL X
HOFFMANN X
IKEDA X
NAEOLE X
ONISHI X
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELA"PIONS
~„'.[.~
I3RCNDA J. FORD, CHAIR
PWIRC REPORT NO. 17
ADOPTED: APR 0 8 1009