Bill Text: HI SB2135 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Public Safety.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-21 - Referred to PSM, JDC. [SB2135 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-SB2135-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2135 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to public safety.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Act 53, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, extended the prohibition of the adoption by any county of the State of any code or regulation that requires the installation of residential fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet firefighting road access or water supply requirements. The legislature finds that due to their reliability and effectiveness in suppressing a fire, particularly in its initial stages, both national and state building codes have required residential fire sprinklers since 2009.
The legislature also finds that a prohibition of the adoption of any measure to require the installation of fire sprinklers in residential dwellings is not in the best interest of public health and safety. The legislature finds that fire sprinklers enhance the fire survivability of community residents by eighty per cent and greatly reduce the spread of fire, thereby lessening property damage and loss.
The legislature further finds that the intensity, severity, and spread of fire in residential buildings is directly related to the contents and furnishings of those buildings. While improvements have been made in building construction, design, and materials, the volatility and toxicity of the synthetic building materials used today allow fire to spread more rapidly.
The legislature further finds that according to the National Fire Protection Association, nineteen states allow local jurisdictions to adopt sprinkler requirements for new one- and two-family homes and three jurisdictions require fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes: California; Maryland; and the District of Columbia.
The legislature recognizes that the counties of the State face unique challenges and issues relating to fire protection, including population density, proximity of structures, infrastructure, access, and limited fire protection resources. Therefore, the legislature finds that it is beneficial to the State to establish individual county authority, or "home rule", regarding fire sprinkler regulations.
Finally, in 2018, the state building code council, the entity responsible for reviewing and adopting the latest editions of national model building codes in the State, adopted the state residential code, which requires that all State construction of new one- and two-family dwellings install residential fire sprinklers.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to repeal section 46-19.8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, thereby authorizing the counties of the State to adopt codes and regulations regarding the installation of residential fire protection sprinkler systems.
SECTION 2. Section 46-19.8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.
["[§46‑19.8] Fire sprinklers; residences. [Section
repealed June 30, 2027. L 2017, c 53, §1.] No
county shall require the installation or retrofitting of automatic fire
sprinklers or an automatic fire sprinkler system in:
(1) Any new or existing detached
one- or two-family dwelling unit in a structure used only for residential
purposes; and
(2) Nonresidential
agricultural and aquacultural buildings and structures located outside an urban
area;
provided that this section shall not apply to new
homes that require a variance from access road or firefighting water supply
requirements."]
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
State Fire Council Package; Fire Protection; Fire Sprinklers
Description:
Repeals section 46-19.8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, thereby allowing counties to regulate 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.
