Bill Text: HI HB1285 | 2013 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 1285 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: State Fire Council Package; Public Safety; Fire Protection

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-01-28 - Referred to PBS, CPC, referral sheet 7 [HB1285 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2013-HB1285-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1285
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to residential fire sprinklers.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, established a total and absolute prohibition of the adoption of any codes or regulations by the respective counties which may require the use and installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings. The legislature also finds that a total prohibition of any measures that may be considered and adopted at a local level to improve and enhance the fire survivability of community residents and reduce fire losses is not in the best interest of health and safety. The legislature finds that the installation of fire sprinkler systems in the residential setting has a significant impact on the life safety of the building occupants and the use and application of fire sprinkler systems has demonstrated an increase in occupant survivability of eighty per cent for those residential structures protected by a fire sprinkler system. Further, the use and application of residential fire sprinkler systems may greatly reduce or inhibit the spread of a fire, thereby reducing or lessening property damage and loss. The legislature also finds that the intensity, severity, and the spread or extension of fire in residential structures is directly related to the contents and furnishings and although improvements have been made in building construction design and materials, the volatility of residential contents and its arrangement is unpredictable, and those hazards or risks can be addressed and reduced through the use and application of fire sprinkler systems. Lastly, the legislature also finds that the respective county jurisdictions may face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection that include, but are not limited to: urban population density, proximity of structures and unique residential building spacing or setbacks, limited infrastructure, access, and limited fire protection resources. This Act recognizes and establishes individual county authority or "home rule" as the appropriate application of the requirements. This is recognized, acknowledged, and supported by the evidence presented in the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative, Legislation/Adoptions report that notes twenty-one states have no statewide residential fire sprinkler requirement, but allow local jurisdictions to require fire sprinklers.

SECTION 2. Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, is repealed.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

State Fire Council Package; Public Safety; Fire Protection

Description:

Authorizes counties to adopt codes and regulations that would require the installation of residential fire protection sprinkler systems by repealing Act 83, SLH 2012.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.