THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	630
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to public safety.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 53, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, extended, until 2027, the existing law that prohibits the counties from adopting any codes or regulations that require the installation of residential fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet firefighting road access or water supply requirements.  Currently, all United States model building codes include residential fire sprinkler requirements, because of their reliability and effectiveness in suppressing a fire in its initial stages.

     The legislature also finds that codes or regulations considered and adopted at a local level will improve and enhance the fire survivability of community residents by eighty per cent and reduce fire losses.  Further, residential fire sprinklers greatly reduce the spread of fire, thereby significantly lessening property damage and loss.  As such, the current prohibition is not in the best interest of public health and safety.

     The legislature further finds that the intensity, severity, and spread of fire in residential buildings is directly related to the contents and furnishings.  Although improvements have been made in building construction, design, and materials, the volatility and toxicity of today’s synthetic materials allows untenable conditions to be reached more rapidly.  The legislature also finds that the respective county jurisdictions face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection, including population density, proximity of structures, infrastructure, access, and limited fire protection resources.

     The ability for counties to exercise home rule authority regarding requirements for fire sprinklers is recognized, acknowledged, and supported by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  The NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative notes that California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia have statewide or regional requirements for residential fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings.  Nineteen states have no statewide requirements, but allow local jurisdictions to require residential fire sprinklers.

     Finally, the legislature notes that the state building code council, which was created in 2007, is responsible for reviewing and adopting the latest editions of national model building codes for the State and is the forum for discussion by building code experts from the various fields of building design, construction, safety, and health.

     The purpose of this Act is to amend Act 53 and remove the existing restriction that prohibits counties from requiring the installation of residential fire sprinklers.

     SECTION 2.  Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, as amended by Act 53, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, is amended by amending section 3 to read as follows:

     "SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012; provided that on [June 30, 2027,] July 1, 2019, this Act shall be repealed."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on June 30, 2019.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Fire Sprinklers; Building Code; Public Safety

 

Description:

Amends Act 53, SLH 2012, and removes the restriction that prohibits counties from requiring the installation of residential fire sprinklers.

 

 

 

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