HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0221.000 1998-2000 ~V OI yy,
Stephen K Yamashim '
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~ Jiro A. Sumada
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
25 Aupuni Street, Room 202 • Hilo, Hawaii 967204252
(808)961-8321. Fax (808)961-8630
March 19, 1999
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
HAWAII COUNTY BUILDING
25 AUPUNI STREET
HILO HI 96720
SUBJECT: BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS
Since the adoption of the 1991 Uniform Building Code (UBC) in 1993 for the County of Hawaii,
several editions of the UBC have been published (namely the 1994 and 1997 editions) by the
International Conference of Building Officials. Although many changes are proposed in the later
editions, we are not intending to adopt all of the changes in total. Be apprised that this action
will not jeopardize the safety and welfare of the people of Hawaii County.
After careful review of the later UBC editions and based upon our experiences with the existing
building code, we are proposing the attached amendments. While there may be many code
amendments possible, the proposed amendments are those that we feel needing immediate
action.
Your review and adoption of the subject amendments for this County's building code will be
appreciated. Should you have any questions, please contact Wayne Onomura of the Building
Division at 961-8331.
J O A. UMADA
De ty hief Engineer
WO:vmht
cc: WAYNE ONOMURA, Building Division Chief
Attachment ~
Comm. No,
~jt 6D File No. FCC / 8LD
Ref. To: iPW PG
MA
Ref. Date
SECTION 1. [Change. The wording for this section comes from section 25-2-35 (h) & (i)
of the Hawaii County zoning ordinance. Currently, the collection of
fines must be
processed through a court of law. Since building code violations are a low priority item
when measured against violent and drug related crimes, collection of these fnes may
never happen and thus violators are encouraged not to comply. This provision is an
attempt to discourage chronic violations and to allow the Building Division to more
effectively enforce code requirements.]
SECTION 2. [Change. This language was added in to accommodate the use of
temporary structures and props used by the movie, television, and entertainment
industries.]
SECTION 3. [Addition. This language comes from the old Housing Code which was
deleted in 1996. The purpose of this requirement is to afford occupants some degree of
privacy.]
SECTION 4. [Clarification. The purpose of the revision is to clarify the intent of the
guardrail requirement for windows. Guardrails are required at windows whenever there
is a possibility for a person can fall through ]
SECTION S. [Correction. The previous ordinance made reference to NFPA 91-
Standardfor the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Yapor
Removal or Conveying which is the wrong section of the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) standard. J
SECTION 6. [Change. This seismic zone for the County of Hawaii is being upgraded
from a zone 3 to the most hazardous zone which is zone 4. Under the 1997 Uniform
Building Code the Island of Hawaii has been classified as zone 4. Also, the state
Earthquake Advisory Committee made up of geologists, structural engineers, and
government officials has recommended that the County change its classification in order
to provide added protection for all new construction. For new residential buildings
there is not expected to be a significant impact since these buildings are usually not more
than two stories high and are of relatively lightweight construction.]
SECTION 7. [Addition. This language is being added to establish a maximum spacing
on exposed spaced plank flooring to minimize the tripping hazard to high heeled shoes. J