HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWPRC 123 09/18/2012 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
DATE: September 18, 2012 Re: Comm. No. 838/Bill No. 305
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:03 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred Bill No. 305,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 305, transmitted by Public Works Director Warren H. W Lee, via Communication
No. 838, amends Chapter 9, Article 5, Division 1, Section 9-33 (Plans and Specification
requirements; deviations), subsection (b), by revising an existing item: "[All photovoltaic
systems for residential and non residential installations shall require a building permit. Plans and
registered in the State of Hawai`i. Electrical design drawings and specifications shall bear the
approval of an electrical engineer registered in the State of Hawai`i.]
Installation of photovoltaic systems shall require:
(1) A building permit for residential and non residential installations;
(2) Electrical design drawings and specifications bearing the approval of an electrical engineer
registered in the State of Hawai`i for residential and non residential installations; and
(3) Plans and specifications for building work bearing the approval of an architect or structural
engineer registered in the State of Hawai`i for non residential installations only."
Councilmember Yoshimoto informed committee members that he brought this bill forward
because he had been contacted by individuals in the community that expressed concerns with the
length of time the permitting process takes and with conflicting information regarding the
installation of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems on residential structures since the passage of Bill 270
(the Building Code) in November of 2011. Councilmember Yoshimoto stated that it was his
hope to remove the requirement of an Architect or Structural Engineer.
Public testifiers in support of the bill commented that current requirements are lengthy, costly
and confusing. Since the passage of Bill 270 (the building code) in November of 2011 some
contractors and individuals have been confused and misinformed about the permitting process.
Testifiers commented that the requirement for an Architect or Structural Engineer adds hundreds
of dollars to the cost. Testifiers also commented on the fact that the form necessary for
submitting PV plans in itself is flawed and confusing and requests the department make the form
easier to understand and to fill out and to include all information on submittal requirements. All
testifiers agreed that this bill is a step in the right direction of promulgating rules that are
PWPRC Rept.No.: 123
PWPRC -123 Page 2 September 18, 2012
consistent, clear and cost effective. Bob Ernst, public testifier, felt that Hawai`i County should
require minimum industry standards for PV installations and offered to assist in developing rules
for codification.
Director Lee and Department of Public Works Building Division staff informed Committee
Members that the first concern is for health and safety and that strict requirements are necessary
as PV systems can become dangerous during high winds and because a large number of
installation are or will be on older residences and as such it is extremely important that someone
is looking at structural integrity. PV systems mounted on roof tops pose two different possible
problems in high winds: uplift and vacuum, that must be considered when reviewing PV systems
installation plans. Director Lee informed committee members that the department also accepts
pre-approved plans or system analysis reports from industry professionals like the International
Code Council (ICC) in lieu of the requirement for an Architect or Structural Engineer.
Department of Public Works Building Division staff member Neil Erickson reported there are
five pre-approved plans by the ICC currently available. Department of Public Works Building
Division Chief David Yamamoto informed committee members that the department maintains
guidelines and bulletin updates related to PV installation requirements on its website.
For informational purposes, Council Member Ford voted "Kanalua"twice.
Your Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation is in accord with the intent and
purpose of Bill No. 305, and recommends its passage on first reading.
bl
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS &
HOFFMANN x PARKS AND RECREATION
IKEDA X
ONISHI X
PILAGO X
SMART x FRED BLAS, CHAIR
YAGONG X PWPRC REPORT NO. 123
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: OCT 0 3 2012