Bill > HR60

This resolution requests the State Building Code Council to modify the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories tall. Point access blocks are compact single-stair buildings where dwelling units are centered around a central stairway and elevator core, with a single vertical corridor accessing upper levels. The resolution highlights several benefits of this construction style, including more flexible floor plans, better natural lighting and ventilation, improved unit sizes (with more two- to four-bedroom options), and greater floor plan efficiency. The resolution notes that modern fire suppression technologies like sprinklers have made single-stair buildings safer, and points to European countries like Austria, France, and Germany as examples where point access blocks are common and have lower fire death rates. Additionally, the resolution emphasizes that this approach can help address housing supply challenges by creating more compact, environmentally friendly buildings on limited land area. The City and County of Honolulu has already amended its building code to allow such construction, and this resolution seeks to extend that approach statewide by requesting the State Building Code Council to update its regulations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=60&year=2025