HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	190
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO 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 prohibition of the adoption of any codes or regulations by the respective counties that may require the use and installation of residential fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet firefighting road access or water supply requirements.

     Fire sprinklers may improve and enhance the fire survivability of community residents by eighty per cent and reduce fire losses.  Further, residential fire sprinklers greatly reduce the spread of fire, thereby significantly lessening property damage and loss.  National residential building codes have required residential fire sprinklers for the past nine years because of their reliability and effectiveness in suppressing a fire in its initial stages.  Because of this, the legislature also finds that a prohibition of any measures that may be considered 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 public health and safety.

     The legislature also finds that the intensity, severity, and spread of fire in residential structures is directly related to the contents and furnishings of a property, and although improvements have been made in building construction, design and materials, the volatility and toxicity of today’s synthetic materials allows untenable conditions to be reached more rapidly.

     The legislature further finds that the respective county jurisdictions face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection including population density, proximity of structures, infrastructure, access, and limited fire protection resources.  This Act recognizes and establishes the individual county authority or "home rule" as the appropriate application of requirements.  This is recognized, acknowledged, and supported by the evidence presented in the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative, Legislative/Adoptions report that notes seventeen states have no statewide requirements, but allow local jurisdictions to require residential 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  Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, is repealed.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:	_____________________________
	By Request

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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