Bill Text: HI HB1477 | 2022 | Regular Session | Amended

Hawaii House Bill 1477 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relating To Fire Protection.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-08 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) McDermott excused (1). [HB1477 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2022-HB1477-Amended.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1477
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO FIRE PROTECTION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven record of significantly reducing lost life, injury, and property damage. Automatic fire sprinklers are commonly installed in commercial and high-rise buildings, but eight out of ten fire deaths occur in the home, and sprinklers are found in only seven per cent of all homes damaged by a fire.

The legislature further finds modern construction materials have increased a home's risk to fire. Engineered lumber is used as a composite joist or beam as part of today's modern, lightweight construction material. Compared with traditional wood materials in older homes, lightweight construction assemblies typically collapse in six minutes versus eighteen minutes for wood. Modern furnishings also reach dangerous temperatures much quicker than legacy furnishings. These place occupants and firefighters in extreme peril when a fire occurs in a home without sprinklers.

The legislature further finds that smoke alarms and sprinklers can reduce the risk of death in a home by eighty-two per cent. Only the sprinkler head closest to the fire activates and eighty-five per cent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler. Residential fire sprinkler systems also require very little maintenance to ensure that they are operating properly.

Currently, California, Maryland, and the District of Columbia require residential sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings. About twenty-two other states do not require sprinklers but allow local jurisdictions to require them. After California required residential sprinklers, the state has not experienced a decrease in the residential construction or sale of new homes.

The legislature also finds that providing potential home buyers with information, including the benefits of a fire sprinkler system provided by the state fire council, will allow potential home buyers to make a better informed decision to accept or reject the installation of a fire sprinkler system in a new residence.

The purpose of this Act is to provide potential home buyers of one- and two-family dwellings with information on the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system.

SECTION 2. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part . HOME BUYER FIRE PROTECTION

§132- Definitions. As used in this part:

"New dwelling" means a new one- or two-family residential dwelling not previously occupied and constructed for residential use.

"Owner" means any individual, trustee, partnership, corporation, or other entity owning any estate or interest in a new dwelling.

§132- Disclosure of residential fire sprinkler system information. (a) When an application for a permit for a new dwelling is submitted, the building or fire official shall provide the applicant or the applicant's representative with a copy of written materials prepared and adopted by the state fire council that detail the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system.

(b) The owner shall choose to accept or reject the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system in the new dwelling. If accepted, the cost of the residential fire sprinkler system shall be the responsibility of the owner.

(c) Written materials prepared and adopted by the state fire council as specified under subsection (a) shall be updated as needed."

SECTION 3. Chapter 132, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by designating sections 132-1 to 132-19 as part I and inserting a title before section 132-1 to read as follows:

"PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS"

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

State Fire Council Package; Home Buyer Fire Protection; Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Description:

Requires building and fire officials to provide applicants or applicant representatives with a copy of materials by the state fire council detailing the benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system. Requires owners to accept or reject the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system. Specifies that residential fire sprinkler system costs are the owner's responsibility. Requires the state fire council to update its materials as necessary. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)

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