Bill > HB1

This bill modifies the responsibilities and operations of Hawaii's State Building Code Council to address housing affordability challenges by streamlining the building code adoption process. Specifically, the bill requires the council to conduct financial analyses of proposed new building codes, determine which codes are necessary for public safety, and provide recommendations to county governing bodies for code adoption. The bill eliminates the previous requirement for a county building official subcommittee to unanimously agree on code amendments and instead mandates that the council consult with building contractors, trade associations, and developers to gather information about construction practices and cost implications. The council will now be required to submit recommendations to county governments within two years of a code's publication, including a financial analysis, and if the council does not make a recommendation, counties may independently consider adopting the code. The changes aim to address Hawaii's housing crisis by potentially reducing barriers and costs associated with building code implementation, with the ultimate goal of making housing more affordable and accessible in the state.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1&year=2026