HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-03 Letter to Clarence Nishihara and Glenn Wakai Re: SB 2701 Relating to Agricultural BuildingsHarry Kim
Mayor
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai `i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
February 3, 2020
Senator Clarence K. Nishihara, Chair
Senator Glenn Wakai, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Senator Mike Gabbard, Chair
Senator Russell E. Ruderman, Vice Chair
Committee on Agriculture and Environment
Hawaii State Legislature
Dear Chairs Nishihara and Gabbard, Vice -Chairs Wakai and Ruderman, and Committee
Members:
RE: SB 2701, Relating to Agricultural Buildings
A year ago, the Senate passed SB 940 which recognized that there needs to be
a method of verification if exemptions to a Building Code are conditional, and if those
conditions are to be taken seriously. SB 2701 would seem to be substantially the same.
I believe that SB 940 and SB 2701 provide an appropriate balance between the
need for verification and the right of privacy. Inspection is limited to agricultural
buildings, it is limited in the personnel who can investigate, it is limited as to purpose,
and puts the burden on government to seek court oversight if there is a dispute.
I support SB2701 and urge its adoption.
Respectfully Submitted,
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.