Bill Text: HI HB90 | 2021 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Relating To Government.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-02-19 - Report adopted. referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 3 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Har, Kong, Matayoshi excused (3). [HB90 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2021-HB90-Amended.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	90
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021		H.D. 3
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

 

 

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

 

PART I

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Transfer the state fire council, for administrative purposes, from the department of labor and industrial relations to the department of commerce and consumer affairs;

     (2)  Transfer authority over the boiler and elevator safety law from the department of labor and industrial relations to the department of commerce and consumer affairs; and

     (3)  Transfer administration of the human trafficking victim services fund from the department of labor and industrial relations to the judiciary.

PART II

     SECTION 2.  Section 132-16, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  There is established a state fire council which shall be placed within the department of [labor and industrial relations] commerce and consumer affairs for administrative purposes.  The state fire council shall consist of the fire chiefs of the counties.  The state fire council may appoint an advisory committee to assist it in carrying out its functions under this chapter.  The advisory committee may include the heads of the various county building departments, a licensed architect recommended by the Hawaii Society of the American Institute of Architects, a licensed electrical engineer and a licensed mechanical engineer recommended by the Consulting Engineers Council of Hawaii, a representative of the Hawaii Rating Bureau, a representative of the Hawaii firefighters association, representatives of the county fire departments, and such other members of the public as the state fire council may determine can best assist it.  The state fire council shall elect a chairperson from among its members."

     SECTION 3.  Section 132-18, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  The budgetary requirements for conducting meetings and other related functions of the state fire council, including the salaries of the administrator and administrative assistant, shall be included in the budget of the department of [labor and industrial relations.] commerce and consumer affairs."

     SECTION 4.  All rights, powers, functions, and duties of the department of labor and industrial relations relating to the state fire council are transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     All employees who occupy civil service positions and whose functions are transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs by this part shall retain their civil service status, whether permanent or temporary.  Employees shall be transferred without loss of salary, seniority (except as prescribed by applicable collective bargaining agreements), retention points, prior service credit, any vacation and sick leave credits previously earned, and other rights, benefits, and privileges, in accordance with state personnel laws and this part; provided that the employees possess the minimum qualifications and public employment requirements for the class or position to which transferred or appointed, as applicable; provided further that subsequent changes in status may be made pursuant to applicable civil service and compensation laws.

     Any employee who, prior to this Act, is exempt from civil service and is transferred as a consequence of this part may retain the employee's exempt status, but shall not be appointed to a civil service position as a consequence of this part.  An exempt employee who is transferred by this part shall not suffer any loss of prior service credit, vacation or sick leave credits previously earned, or other employee benefits or privileges as a consequence of this part; provided that the employees possess legal and public employment requirements for the position to which transferred or appointed, as applicable; provided further that subsequent changes in status may be made pursuant to applicable employment and compensation laws.  The director of commerce and consumer affairs may prescribe the duties and qualifications of these employees and fix their salaries without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 5.  All appropriations, records, equipment, machines, files, supplies, contracts, books, papers, documents, maps, and other personal property heretofore made, used, acquired, or held by the department of labor and industrial relations relating to the functions transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs shall be transferred with the functions to which they relate.

PART III

     SECTION 6.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

boiler and elevator safety law

     §   -1  Short title.  This chapter shall be known as the "Boiler and Elevator Safety Law".

     §   -2  Findings and purpose.  The legislature finds that the Hawaii occupational safety and health law does not adequately provide for the safe operation and use of boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, and elevators and kindred equipment.  The purpose of this law is to assure the safe operation and use of such apparatus in Hawaii.

     §   -3  Definitions.  As used in this chapter:

     "Appeals board" means the boiler and elevator safety appeals board established by section    -10.

     "Boiler" means a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam or vapor is superheated, or any combination thereof under pressure for use external to itself, by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels, or from electricity or solar energy.

     "Contractor" means any person, firm, or corporation installing, repairing, or servicing and responsible for the safe operation of any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment or structure inspected pursuant to this chapter.

     "Department" means the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     "Director" means the director of commerce and consumer affairs.

     "Elevator" means a hoisting and lowering mechanism permanently installed in a structure, designed to carry passengers or authorized personnel, equipped with a car or platform that moves in fixed guides and serves two or more fixed landings.

     "Elevators and kindred equipment" means elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, stage lifts, inclined lifts, personnel hoists, permanently installed material lifts, and any other similar mechanized equipment used to convey people in places other than a public right-of-way.

     "National Board" means the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

     "Owner" means any person, firm, or corporation with legal title to any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment inspected pursuant to this chapter who may or may not be the user.

     "Pressure piping" means piping systems specified in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Power Piping Code B31.1.

     "Pressure system" means either a pressure vessel or pressure piping.

     "Pressure vessel" means a closed vessel in which pressure is obtained from an external source or by the direct application of heat from a direct or indirect source.

     "User" means any person, firm, or corporation legally in possession and responsible for the safe operation of any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment inspected pursuant to this chapter.

     "Vendor" means any person, firm, or corporation that sells or distributes any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment required to be inspected pursuant to this chapter.

     §   -4  Powers and duties.  (a)  Administration.

     (1)  The department shall establish a boiler and elevator inspection branch for the enforcement of the rules adopted under this chapter and other duties as assigned;

     (2)  The department shall:

          (A)  Implement and enforce the requirements of this chapter; and

          (B)  Keep adequate and complete records of the type, size, location, identification data, and inspection findings for boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, and elevators and kindred equipment required to be inspected pursuant to this chapter;

     (3)  The department shall formulate definitions and adopt and enforce standards and rules pursuant to chapter 91 that may be necessary for carrying out this chapter;

     (4)  Emergency temporary standards may be adopted without conforming to chapter 91 and without hearings to take immediate effect upon giving public notice of the emergency temporary standards or upon another date that may be specified in the notice.  An emergency temporary standard may be adopted, if the director determines:

          (A)  That the public or individuals are exposed to grave danger from exposure to hazardous conditions or circumstances; and

          (B)  That the emergency temporary standard is necessary to protect the public or individuals from danger.

          Emergency temporary standards shall be effective until superseded by a standard adopted under chapter 91, but shall not be effective longer than six months;

     (5)  Variances from standards adopted under this chapter may be granted upon application of an owner, user, contractor, or vendor.  Application for variances shall correspond to procedures set forth in the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.  The director may issue an order for variance, if the director determines that the proponent of the variance has demonstrated that the conditions, practices, means, methods, operations, or processes used or proposed to be used will provide substantially equivalent safety as that provided by the standards;

     (6)  Permits.

          (A)  The department shall issue a permit to operate regarding any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment if found to be safe in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91;

          (B)  The department may immediately revoke any permit to operate of any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment found to be in an unsafe condition or where a user, owner, or contractor ignores prior department orders to correct specific defects or hazards and continues to use or operate the aforementioned apparatus without abating the hazards or defects;

          (C)  The department shall reissue a permit to operate to any user, owner, or contractor who demonstrates that the user, owner, or contractor is proceeding in good faith to abate all nonconforming conditions mentioned in department orders and the boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, and elevators and kindred equipment are safe to operate; and

          (D)  The department shall establish criteria for the periodic reinspection and renewal of the permits to operate, and may provide for the issuance of temporary permits to operate while any noncomplying boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, and elevator and kindred equipment are being brought into full compliance with the applicable standards and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter; provided that the period between an initial safety inspection or the inspection used as a basis for the issuance of a permit to operate, and any subsequent inspection of elevators and kindred equipment shall not exceed one year;

     (7)  No person shall operate a boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment that are required to be inspected by this chapter or by any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter, except as necessary to install, repair, or test, unless a permit to operate has been authorized or issued by the department and remains valid; and

     (8)  The department, upon the application of any owner, user, or other person affected thereby, may grant time that may reasonably be necessary for compliance with any order.  Any person affected by an order may for cause petition the department for an extension of time.

     (b)  Inspection and investigation.

     (1)  Authorized representatives of the director shall have the right to enter without delay during regular working hours and at other reasonable times any place, establishment, or premises in which are located boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, or elevators and kindred equipment requiring inspection pursuant to this chapter;

     (2)  The department shall inspect for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this chapter any activity related to the erection, construction, alteration, demolition, or maintenance of buildings, structures, bridges, highways, roadways, dams, tunnels, sewers, underground buildings or structures, underground pipelines or ducts, and other construction projects or facilities;

     (3)  The department shall review plans and make inspections, and investigations of boilers and pressure systems, and the premises appurtenant to each at times and at intervals determined by the director for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this chapter.  This paragraph shall not apply to single family dwellings or multiple dwelling units of less than six living units;

     (4)  The department shall review plans and make inspections, and investigations of elevators and kindred equipment and the premises appurtenant to each at times and at intervals determined by the director for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this chapter.  This paragraph shall not apply to single family dwellings;

     (5)  The department shall inspect, at least semi-annually, all mechanically or electrically operated devices considered as major rides and used as amusement rides at a carnival, circus, fair, or amusement park for the purpose of protecting the safety of the public.  This paragraph shall not apply to any coin operated ride or mechanically or electrically operated devices considered or known in the amusement trade as kiddie rides;

     (6)  The department may investigate accidents involving boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, and elevators and kindred equipment inspected under this chapter and may issue orders and recommendations with respect to the elimination and control of the cause factors;

     (7)  The department shall have the right to question any employer, owner, operator, agent, or employee in investigation, enforcement, and inspection activities covered by this chapter; and

     (8)  Any employee of the State acting within the scope of the employee's office, employment, or authority under this chapter shall not be liable in or made a party to any civil action arising out of the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

     (c)  Education and training.

     (1)  The department may disseminate through exhibitions, pictures, lectures, pamphlets, letters, notices, and any other method of publicity, to owners, users, vendors, architects, contractors, employees, and the public information regarding boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, and elevators and kindred equipment required to be inspected pursuant to this chapter; and

     (2)  Where appropriate, the department may undertake programs in training and consultation with owners, users, property management firms, vendors, architects, contractors, employees, and the public regarding the safety requirements of this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.

     (d)  Enforcement.

     (1)  Whenever right of entry to a place to inspect any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment required by this chapter to be inspected is refused to an authorized representative of the director, the department may apply to the circuit court where the place is located for a search warrant providing on its face that the wilful interference with its lawful execution may be punished as a contempt of court;

     (2)  Whenever the department finds that the construction of or the operation of any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment required to be inspected by this chapter is not safe, or that any practice, means, method, operation, or process employed or used is unsafe or is not in conformance with the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, the department shall issue an order to render the construction or operation safe or in conformance with this chapter or the rules and deliver the order to the contractor, owner, or user.  Each order shall be in writing and may be delivered by mail or in person.  The department may in the order direct that, in the manner and within a time specified, any additions, repairs, improvements, or changes be made and safety devices and safeguards be furnished, provided, and used as are reasonably required to ensure compliance with this chapter.  The owner, user, or contractor shall obey and observe all orders issued by the department or be subject to appropriate civil penalties;

     (3)  Whenever in the opinion of the department the condition or operation of boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, or elevators and kindred equipment required to be inspected by this chapter, or any practice, means, method, operation, or process employed or used, is unsafe, or is not properly guarded or is dangerously placed, the use thereof may be prohibited by the department and an order to that effect shall be posted prominently on the equipment, or near the place or condition referred to in the order.  The order shall be removed when a determination has been made by an authorized representative of the department that the boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, or elevators and kindred equipment are safe and the required safeguards or safety devices are provided;

     (4)  When in the opinion of the department the operation of boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, or elevators and kindred equipment required to be inspected by this chapter or any practice, means, method, operation, or process employed or used constitutes an imminent hazard to the life or safety of any person or property, the department may apply to the circuit court of the circuit in which the boilers, pressure systems, amusement rides, or elevators and kindred equipment are located or the practice, means, method, operation, or process is employed for an injunction restraining the use or operation until the use or operation is made safe.  The application to the circuit court accompanied by an affidavit showing that the use or operation exists in violation of a standard, rule, variance, or order of the department and constitutes an imminent hazard to the life or safety of any person or property and accompanied by a copy of the standard, rule, variance, or applicable order, shall warrant, in the discretion of the court, the immediate granting of a temporary restraining order.  No bond shall be required from the department as a prerequisite to the granting of a restraining order;

     (5)  The director and the director's authorized representative shall have the same powers respecting the administering of oaths, compelling the attendance of witnesses, the production of documentary evidence, and examining or causing to be examined witnesses as are possessed by the court and may take depositions and certify to official acts.  The circuit court of any circuit, upon application by the director, shall have the power to enforce by proper proceedings the attendance and testimony of any witness so subpoenaed.  Subpoena and witness fees and mileage in such cases shall be the same as in criminal cases in the circuit courts.  Necessary expenses of, or in connection with, the hearings or investigations shall be payable from the funds appropriated for expenses of administration of the department.  No person shall be excused from attending or testifying or producing materials, books, papers, correspondences, memoranda, and other records before the director or in obedience to subpoena on the grounds that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of the person may tend to incriminate the person or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture; provided that no individual shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the individual is compelled, after having claimed the individual's privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, documentary, or otherwise, except that the individuals testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed while testifying;

     (6)  Where a condition or practice involving any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment required to be inspected by this chapter could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm, the department shall have the right, independent of any other enforcement powers under this chapter, to:

          (A)  Immediately take steps to obtain abatement by informing the owners, users, contractors, and all persons in harms way of the hazard by meeting, posted notice, or otherwise;

          (B)  Take steps to immediately obtain abatement through direct control or elimination of the hazard if after reasonable search, the user, owner, or contractor or their representative is not available;

          (C)  Take steps to obtain immediate abatement when the nature and imminence of the danger or hazard does not permit a search for the owner, user, or contractor; and

          (D)  Where appropriate, initiate necessary legal proceedings to require abatement by the owner, user, or contractor; and

     (7)  The department may prosecute, defend, and maintain actions in the name of the department for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, including the enforcement of any order issued by the department, the appeal of any administrative or court decision, and other actions necessary to enforce this chapter.

     §   -5  Fees.  (a)  The director may prescribe reasonable fees to be charged for inspection, examination, and other services rendered, and for permits, certificates, or licenses, the issuance of which are required by this chapter or by any rules of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter, and for:

     (1)  Inspections by the department of any boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, and elevator and kindred equipment for which a permit or certificate is required for its installation, operation, or use, and which is required to be inspected by this chapter or by any rules of the department; and

     (2)  Examination of any person applying for permits, certificates, or licenses as required by this chapter or by any rules of the department.

     (b)  All fees received by the department pursuant to this section shall be paid into the boiler and elevator revolving fund.

     (c)  The fees for inspections, permits, and examinations of boilers, pressure systems, elevators, kindred equipment, and amusement rides shall be as prescribed by the schedules in this section; provided that the director may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to amend the fees specified in this section.

 

SCHEDULE A:  Boiler and Pressure System Fees

     Installation, Repair, and Alteration Permit Fees:

     (1)  Power boilers (shall pass a hydrostatic test unless indicated otherwise):

          Miniature electric (no hydrostatic test

            required)                                $190

          Less than 500 square feet of heating

            surface                                  $250

          Greater than or equal to 500 and less

            than or equal to 3,000 square feet of

            heating surface                          $400

          Greater than 3,000 square feet of heating

            surface                                  $750

     (2)  Heating boiler                              $190

          Retrofit                                    $160

     (3)  Pressure vessel                             $175

          Retrofit                                    $130

     (4)  Sterilizers and steam kettles                $150

          Retrofit                                    $110

     (5)  Repair application fee                      $200

     (6)  Alteration application fee                  $500

     Examination and License Fees:

     (1)  Boiler inspectors certificate of competency

            examination fee                          $300

     (2)  Review of shops and facilities for the

            issuance of National Board or American

            Society of Mechanical Engineers

            certificate of authorization            $1,500

     (3)  Review of shops and facilities for the

            issuance of Non-Boiler External Piping

            certificate of authorization              $750

     (4)  Boiler inspector's Hawaii commission,

            initial and renewal                       $75

     Internal and External Inspection Fees:

     (1)  Power boilers:

          Without manholes                            $150

          With manholes but less than or equal to

            3,000 square feet of heating surface      $180

          With manholes greater than 3,000 and less

            than or equal to 10,000 square feet of

            heating surface                          $260

          With manholes and over 10,000 square

            feet of heating surface                   $450

     (2)  Heating boilers:

          Hot water supply                            $130

          Steam and water heating without manholes     $110

          Steam, over 100 square feet but not over

            500 square feet of heating surface        $140

          All with manholes and steam over 500

            square feet of heating surface            $170

     (3)  Pressure vessels:

          Routine inspections                         $65

          Internal for air or water service            $130

          Ultrasonic testing                          $130

     (4)  For all other types of inspections

          an hourly fee is assessed                   $100

     (5)  Hydrostatic test                            $300

     (6)  School "specials" (non-code objects)         $10

     Reports and Permit Processing Fees:

     (1)  Report and permit                           $25

     (2)  Permit reprint                              $20

     (3)  Signed permit card (old issue)              $10

     (4)  Owner portal                                  $5

 

SCHEDULE B:  Elevator and Kindred Equipment Fees

Installation and Alteration Permits:

     (1)  Alteration involving only the replacement of

          up to two parts (such as a valve, a jack,

          or a cylinder)                              $150

     (2)  Alteration involving only cosmetic changes

          (such as car interior modernizations)        $300

     (3)  Alterations of more than two parts,

          components, or subsystems:

          1 – 3 floors                                $600

          4 – 9 floors                               $650

          10 – 19 floors                              $700

          20 – 29 floors                              $750

          30 – 39 floors                              $800

          40 or more floors                           $900

     (4)  Where alterations to four or more units at

          the same location are identical, the fee for

          each additional alteration permit shall be

          reduced by fifty per cent.  The applications

          shall be submitted at the same time to qualify

          for the fee reduction.

     (5)  Installation of new elevators (including material lifts) and kindred equipment:

          Dumbwaiter                                  $500

          Escalator, moving walk, or moving ramp       $500

          Hand elevator or stage lift                 $500

          Wheelchair or stairway lifts                $500

          Elevator, 1 - 3 floors                      $600

          Elevator, 4 - 9 floors                      $650

          Elevator, 10 - 19 floors                    $700

          Elevator, 20 - 29 floors                    $750

          Elevator, 30 – 39 floors                    $800

          Elevator, 40 or more floors                 $900

          Personnel hoists                            $250

          Inclined tunnel lifts                       $500

          (For elevators, such as observation or deep

          well elevators, which have considerable rise

          but few openings, each ten feet of vertical

          rise shall be considered one floor for the

          purpose of determining installation or

          alteration permit fees.)

     (6)  Temporary use permits (construction car)     $450

     (7)  For each valid alteration or installation

          permit, the department shall provide one

          inspection per unit.

     (8)  The fee for each additional inspection or

          witnessing of tests, or both, shall be $300

          per day for up to two hours and $600 per day

          for more than two hours if during the normal

          workday.  Fees for overtime hours shall

          be $600 per day for up to two hours and

          $1,200 per day for more than two hours.

     (9)  Each installation or alteration permit

          shall be valid for up to one year from date

          of issuance.

     Inspection Fees:

     (1)  Permit renewal inspection fees:

          Dumbwaiter                                  $140

          Escalator, moving walk, or moving ramp       $150

          Hand elevator or stage lift                 $150

          Wheelchair or stairway lifts                $150

          Hydraulic elevator - holed                  $150

          Hydraulic elevator - holeless                $200

          Traction elevator:

          1 - 3 floor rise                            $225

          4 - 9 floor rise                            $250

          10 - 19 floor rise                          $275

          20 - 29 floor rise                          $325

          30 - 39 floor rise                          $400

          40 or more floor rise                       $475

          Personnel hoists                            $175

          Inclined tunnel lifts                       $220

     (2)  Safety, load or internal test (witness fees):

          3-year safety test                          $200

          5-year safety test                          $300

          Escalator internal                          $100

     (3)  Permit renewal and witness fees are per

          inspection, which may constitute one day or

          part of the day.  If the inspector is required

          to return on another day or at another time

          on the same day, additional fees shall be

          assessed at the rate of $300 per day for up

          to two hours and $600 per day for more than

          two hours.  Fees for overtime hours shall be

          $600 per day for up to two hours and $1,200

          per day for more than two hours.

 

SCHEDULE C:  Amusement Ride Fees

     Inspection Fees:

     (1)  Permit renewal inspection fees:

          Amusement ride                              $100

     (2)  Permit renewal fees are per inspection,

          which may constitute one day or part of the

          day.  If the inspector has to return on

          another day or at another time within the

          same day, additional fees shall be assessed

          at the rate of $300 per day for up to two hours

          and $600 per day for more than two hours.  Fees

          for overtime hours shall be $600 per day for up

          to two hours and $1,200 per day for more than

          two hours.

     §   -6  Safety inspection by qualified inspectors.  (a)  All safety inspections required under this chapter of boilers and pressure systems shall be performed by deputy boiler inspectors in the employ of the department who are qualified boiler inspectors and, when authorized by the director, may be performed by special inspectors who are qualified boiler inspectors in the employ of insurance companies insuring boilers or pressure systems in this State.

     (b)  A qualified boiler inspector is a person eligible for or in possession of a valid commission issued by the National Board, who has satisfied the requirements established by the department, and who has received from the director or the director's authorized agent briefings and instructions regarding the rules pertaining to boilers and pressure systems in this State.

     (c)  All safety inspections required under this chapter of elevators and kindred equipment shall be performed by deputy elevator inspectors of the department who are qualified elevator inspectors and who are employed primarily for purposes of elevator and related inspection work.

     (d)  A qualified elevator inspector is a person who meets the criteria of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the standards for the qualification of elevator inspectors of the American National Standards Institute and has satisfied requirements established by the department.

     §   -7  Complaints to the department.  (a)  Complaints may be made to the department and where reasonable grounds exist for the department to believe there may be a hazard, there shall be an inspection in response to the complaint.

     (b)  Names of all complainants and witnesses shall be held in confidence by the department unless prior permission has been given by the complainant or witness to release the complainant's or witness' name or unless it has been determined by the attorney general that disclosure is necessary for enforcement and review of this chapter.

     §   -8  Violations and penalties.  (a)  The director shall have authority to assess all civil penalties provided in this section, giving due consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect to the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the owner, user, contractor, or vendor, and the history of previous violations.

     (b)  Any owner, user, contractor, or vendor who violates this chapter, or any safety standard promulgated pursuant to this chapter or any rule issued under the authority of this chapter, or who violates or fails to comply with any order made under or by virtue of this chapter or under or by virtue of any rule of the department, or who defaces, displaces, destroys, damages, or removes without the authority of the department any safety device, safeguard, notice, order, or warning required by this chapter or by any rule of the department shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each such violation.

     (c)  Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation except during an abatement period.

     (d)  Whoever knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan or other document filed or required to be maintained pursuant to this chapter, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.

     (e)  Civil penalties owed under this chapter shall be paid to the department and deposited into the general fund.  Civil penalties owed under this chapter may be recovered in a civil action in the name of the department and the State brought in the district or circuit court for the circuit where the violation is alleged to have occurred or where the owner, user, contractor, or vendor has the owner's, user's, contractor's, or vendor's principal office.

     (f)  Criminal offenses committed against any employee of the State acting within the scope of the employee's office, employment, or authority under this chapter shall be subject to the penalties set forth in the Hawaii Penal Code; provided that:

     (1)  Ten years shall be added to the maximum term of imprisonment (unless life imprisonment is imposed) and $10,000 shall be added to the maximum fine imposed for conviction under a class A felony;

     (2)  Five years shall be added to the maximum term of imprisonment and $5,000 shall be added to the maximum fine imposed for conviction under a class B felony;

     (3)  Three years shall be added to the maximum term of imprisonment and $1,000 shall be added to the maximum fine for conviction under a class C felony;

     (4)  One year shall be added to the maximum term of imprisonment and $500 shall be added to the maximum fine for conviction for a misdemeanor; and

     (5)  The maximum term of imprisonment and maximum fines prescribed for misdemeanors under the Hawaii Penal Code shall apply to convictions for a petty misdemeanor.

     §   -9  Review and appeal.  Any order of the director shall be final and conclusive against the owner, user, vendor, or contractor unless the owner, user, vendor, or contractor files with the director a written notice of contest of the order, the abatement period stated in the order, or the penalty stated in the order within twenty days after receipt of the order.

     The owner, user, vendor, or contractor may petition the director for modification of the abatement requirements in an order.  The owner, user, vendor, or contractor shall file the petition no later than the close of the next business day following the date on which abatement is required or under exceptional circumstances and for good cause shown at a later date.  The petition for modification may be filed after the twenty-day period for contesting the order has expired where the initial abatement period stated in the order expires after the twenty-day period for filing a notice of contest has run.

     The director shall issue an order either affirming or modifying the abatement requirement.  The director may issue an order modifying the abatement requirement upon a showing by the owner, user, vendor, or contractor of a good faith effort to comply with the abatement requirements of an order and that abatement has not been completed because of factors beyond the owner's, user's, vendor's, or contractor's reasonable control.

     The director shall advise the appeals board of a notice of contest upon receiving any such notice.

     The appeals board shall afford an opportunity for a hearing on any notice of contest.  Such hearings before the appeals board shall be de novo except where rules and regulations require a prior formal hearing at the department level, the proceedings of which are required to be transcribed, in which case review before the appeals board shall be confined to the record only.

     The appeals board may affirm, modify, or vacate the order or continue the matter upon the terms and conditions as may be deemed necessary, or remand the case to the director with instructions for further proceedings or direct other relief as may be appropriate.

     §   -10  Boiler and elevator safety appeals board.  (a)  There is created a boiler and elevator safety appeals board composed of three members nominated and, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed by the governor for staggered terms in accordance with section 26-34.  The members appointed to the appeals board shall be selected on the basis of their knowledge and experience in the field of boiler and elevator safety.  The governor shall designate one of the members the chairperson of the board.  Each member shall hold office until the member's successor is appointed and qualified.  Because cumulative experience and continuity in office are essential to the proper handling of appeals, it is hereby declared to be in the public interest to continue board members in office as long as efficiency is demonstrated.

     (b)  The board shall have power to decide appeals from decisions and orders of the director issued under this chapter.

     (c)  A decision concurred in by any two members shall constitute a decision of the appeals board.  All decisions of the appeals board shall be reduced to writing and shall state separately its finds of fact and conclusions.

     (d)  A vacancy in the board, if there remain two members, shall not impair the authority of two members to act.

     (e)  If any member of the board is unable to act because of absence, temporary disability, or disqualification, the governor may make a temporary appointment and the appointee shall have all the powers and duties of a regular member of the board.

     (f)  The chairperson of the appeals board shall be responsible for the administrative functions of the appeals board.

     (g)  The board may adopt rules within its area of responsibilities in accordance with chapter 91.

     (h)  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be paid per diem and travel expenses when attending meetings of the appeals board.  The appeals board shall be within the department for administrative purposes only.

     §   -11  Judicial review.  Except where an order has already become final for failure to contest, the decision and order of the appeals board shall be final and conclusive, unless the director or any party to the proceedings before the appeals board obtains a review thereof in the manner provided in chapter 91 by instituting proceedings in the circuit court of the circuit in which the boiler, pressure system, amusement ride, or elevator and kindred equipment is situated or such practice, means, method, operation, or process is employed.  The hearing on review shall be on the record and the department shall be deemed a party to any such proceedings.  The court shall give precedence to such proceedings over all other civil cases.

     §   -12  Trade secrets.  Information obtained by the department containing or revealing a trade secret shall be held confidential and access shall be limited to authorized representatives of the director concerned with carrying out this chapter or when relevant in any proceeding under this chapter.  In such proceeding the director, the appeals board, or the court shall issue such orders as may be appropriate to protect the confidentiality of trade secrets.

     §   -13  Evidence.  No record or determination of any administrative proceeding under this chapter or any statement or report of any kind obtained, received, or prepared in connection with the administration or enforcement of this chapter shall be admitted or used, whether as evidence or as discovery, in any civil action growing out of any matter mentioned in the record, determination, statement, or report other than an action for enforcement or review under this chapter.

     §   -14  Boiler and elevator revolving fund; establishment; purpose.  (a)  There is established in the state treasury the boiler and elevator revolving fund, into which shall be deposited all fees collected pursuant to section    -5 and any appropriation from the legislature.  All interest and investment moneys earned on any moneys in the revolving fund shall become part of the revolving fund.

     (b)  The purpose of the revolving fund shall be to provide for sufficient operating costs to carry out the purposes of this chapter.  Moneys in the fund may be expended for:

     (1)  Personnel and operating expenses;

     (2)  Staff training and staff certification fees and expenses;

     (3)  Preparation and dissemination of public information on safe installation and use of equipment regulated by this chapter;

     (4)  Preparation of annual reports to the legislature as required by this chapter; and

     (5)  Reimbursement to the general fund as required by this section.

     (c)  The director shall submit a report to the legislature on the status of the boiler and elevator revolving fund, including expenditures and program results, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     (d)  No later than ten years from the date of the establishment of the revolving fund, the director shall reimburse the general fund for the amount of any initial appropriation that was made by the general revenues of the State to the revolving fund."

     SECTION 7.  Chapter 397, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

     SECTION 8.  All rights, powers, functions, and duties of the department of labor and industrial relations relating to the boiler and elevator safety law are transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs.

     All employees whose only function relates to the boiler and elevator safety law are transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs.  Employees who occupy civil service positions and whose functions are transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs by this part shall retain their civil service status, whether permanent or temporary.  Employees shall be transferred without loss of salary, seniority (except as prescribed by applicable collective bargaining agreements), retention points, prior service credit, any vacation and sick leave credits previously earned, and other rights, benefits, and privileges, in accordance with state personnel laws and this part; provided that the employees possess the minimum qualifications and public employment requirements for the class or position to which transferred or appointed, as applicable; provided further that subsequent changes in status may be made pursuant to applicable civil service and compensation laws.

     Any employee who, prior to this Act, is exempt from civil service and is transferred as a consequence of this part may retain the employee's exempt status, but shall not be appointed to a civil service position as a consequence of this part.  An exempt employee who is transferred by this part shall not suffer any loss of prior service credit, vacation or sick leave credits previously earned, or other employee benefits or privileges as a consequence of this part; provided that the employees possess legal and public employment requirements for the position to which transferred or appointed, as applicable; provided further that subsequent changes in status may be made pursuant to applicable employment and compensation laws.  The director of commerce and consumer affairs may prescribe the duties and qualifications of these employees and fix their salaries without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 9.  All appropriations, records, equipment, machines, files, supplies, contracts, books, papers, documents, maps, and other personal property heretofore made, used, acquired, or held by the department of labor and industrial relations relating to the functions transferred to the department of commerce and consumer affairs shall be transferred with the functions to which they relate.

     SECTION 10.  All rules, policies, procedures, guidelines, and other material adopted or developed by the department of labor and industrial relations to implement provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes applicable to the boiler and elevator safety law that are in effect on the effective date of this Act shall remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed by the department of commerce and consumer affairs pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  In the interim, every reference to the department of labor and industrial relations or director of labor and industrial relations in those rules, policies, procedures, guidelines, and other material is amended to refer to the department of commerce or consumer affairs and the director of commerce and consumer affairs, as appropriate.

PART IV

     SECTION 11.  Section 706-650.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By amending subsection (3) to read as follows:

     "(3)  There is established within the state treasury a special fund to be known as the human trafficking victim services fund to be administered by the [department of labor and industrial relations.] judiciary.  The disbursement of money from the human trafficking victim services fund shall be used to supplement programs, grants, or purchase of service contracts that support or provide comprehensive services to victims of labor trafficking crimes under part VIII of chapter 707, or victims of trafficking related to crimes under part I of chapter 712.  Moneys in the special fund shall be used for new or existing programs, grants, or purchase of service contracts and shall not supplant any other moneys previously allocated to these programs, grants, or purchase of service contracts."

     2.  By amending subsection (6) to read as follows:

     "(6)  The [department of labor and industrial relations] judiciary shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session a written annual report that provides the following:

     (a)  An accounting of the receipts of and expenditures from the human trafficking victim services fund; and

     (b)  Any recommendations to improve support of and services to victims of labor trafficking crimes under part VIII of chapter 707, or victims of trafficking related to crimes under part I of chapter 712."

     SECTION 12.  All appropriations, records, equipment, machines, files, supplies, contracts, books, papers, documents, maps, and other personal property heretofore made, used, acquired, or held by the department of labor and industrial relations relating to the functions transferred to the judiciary shall be transferred with the functions to which they relate.

PART V

     SECTION 13.  Any funds remaining in the boiler and elevator revolving fund established pursuant to section 397-13, Hawaii Revised Statutes, on the effective date of this Act shall be transferred to the boiler and elevator revolving fund established pursuant to section 6 of this Act.

     SECTION 14.  Any valid permit to operate issued under chapter 397, Hawaii Revised Statutes, in effect on the effective date of this Act shall be recognized as though issued by the department of commerce and consumer affairs.  The department of labor and industrial relations appeals board shall have continuing jurisdiction over any outstanding appeals pursuant to chapter 397, Hawaii Revised Statutes, until such time that the boiler and elevator safety appeals board has been established pursuant to this Act.

PART VI

     SECTION 15.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 16.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 17.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 18.  This Act shall take effect on December 25, 2040.

 

 

Report Title:

Government; State Fire Council; Boiler and Elevator Safety Law; DLIR; DCCA; Human Trafficking Victim Services Fund; Judiciary

 

Description:

Transfers the state fire council, for administrative purposes, from DLIR to DCCA.  Places the boiler and elevator safety law under the jurisdiction of DCCA rather than DLIR and creates a boiler and elevator safety appeals board.  Transfers administration of the human trafficking victim services fund from DLIR to the judiciary.  Effective 12/25/2040.  (HD3)

 

 

 

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