Bill Text: HI HB1630 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: State Fire Council Package; Public Safety; Fire Protection
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-17 - Referred to PBS, FIN, referral sheet 2 [HB1630 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB1630-Introduced.html
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1630 |
|
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
|
|
|
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 Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, prohibits counties from requiring the installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet fire fighting road access or water supply requirements. The legislature also finds that prohibiting counties from adopting measures that may improve and enhance the ability of residents to protect themselves and their property from fire does not serve the best interest of public health and safety. The legislature further finds that fire sprinkler systems in homes can significantly improve the safety of the occupants, as it has been shown that occupant survivability increases eighty per cent for residential structures protected by fire sprinkler systems. Furthermore, the intensity, severity, and extent of fire in residential structures are directly related to residential contents and furnishings, with the volatility of residential contents and their arrangement increasing dangerous fire conditions more rapidly. Those hazards or risks can be addressed and reduced through the use of fire sprinkler systems, thus lessening property damage and loss.
Finally, the legislature finds that county jurisdictions may face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection, including but not limited to urban population density, proximity of structures and unique residential building spacing or setbacks, limited infrastructure, access, and limited fire protection response resources. This Act recognizes and establishes individual county authority or "home rule" for residential fire sprinkler requirements. Local authority over residential fire sprinkler systems is recognized, acknowledged, and supported by the evidence presented in the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative, Legislation/Adoptions report that notes that twenty-one states lack statewide residential fire sprinkler requirements, but instead allow local jurisdictions to require fire sprinklers.
The purpose of this Act is to repeal Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.
SECTION 2. Act 83, Session laws of Hawaii 2012, is repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
BY REQUEST |
Report Title:
State Fire Council Package; Public Safety; Fire Protection
Description:
Repeals Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, which prohibits counties from requiring the installation of fire sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings, thereby authorizing counties to adopt regulations that would require the installation of residential fire protection sprinkler systems.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
