Bill Text: HI SR86 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Structural Licensing Board; Auditor Study

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-03-16 - Referred to CPH, WAM. [SR86 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2016-SR86-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	86
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A study on the FEASIBILITY of CREATIng A STRUCTURAL LICENSE BOARD.

 

 

     WHEREAS, installing and erecting structural steel is an incredibly demanding job that requires specialized skills to handle heavy steel; and

 

     WHEREAS, installing and erecting structural steel is considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, in part because workers must often install and erect steel structures hundreds of feet above the ground; and

 

     WHEREAS, worker and public safety are put in jeopardy when a contractor employs unqualified workers to install and erect structural steel because unsatisfactory work could lead to a building collapse; and

 

     WHEREAS, current contractor license requirements are insufficient to ensure the safety of workers who install and erect structural steel; and

 

     WHEREAS, there are four license classifications under the Contractors License Board's purview that critically involve the expertise of a structural engineer:  C-38 post tensioning, C-41 reinforcing steel, C-48 structural steel, and C-56 welding; and

 

     WHEREAS, it is unreasonable to expect the thirteen volunteers who comprise the Contractors License Board, none of whom currently possess the qualifications to erect structural steel, to be fully apprised of the very specific requirements of installing and erecting of structural steel; and

 

     WHEREAS, these four license classifications should be transferred to the jurisdiction of a yet-to-be-created structural license board to ensure that workers installing and erecting steel structures possess the necessary experience and qualifications; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State has a history of protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare through the creation of specialty license boards, namely, the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-eighth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2016, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a study on the feasibility of creating a structural license board modeled after the Board of Electricians and Plumbers; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to consult with relevant stakeholders, including the Hawaii Iron Workers' Stabilization Fund, Hawaii Iron Workers Union Local 625, Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, Contractors License Board, Board of Electricians and Plumbers, Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii, and companies that hold licenses for C-38 post tensioning, C-41 reinforcing steel, C-48 structural steel, or C-56 welding; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to include the following in the report:

 

     (1)  A feasibility determination for the creation of a structural license board;

 

     (2)  Suggested amendments or modifications to the practice of issuing licenses for the following classifications:

 

          (A)  C-38 post tensioning;

 

          (B)  C-41 reinforcing steel;

 

          (C)  C-48 structural steel; and

 

          (D)  C-56 welding license;

 

     (3)  A recommendation on licensure fees, including the possibility of increased amounts above any fees currently paid by individuals for a C-38, C-41, C-48, or C-56 license, if any;

 

     (4)  A brief description of the process the Auditor used in making its findings and recommendations in the report;

 

     (5)  The testimony of all stakeholders that participated in the process and justifications for why recommendations of stakeholders were included or excluded in the final recommendations;

 

     (6)  An estimate of the cost to create a structural license board; and

 

     (7)  Any proposed legislation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to transmit a draft report, including recommendations for proposed legislation, to the Legislative Reference Bureau no later than November 1, 2016; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to assist the Auditor in drafting any proposed legislation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to submit a final report, including any recommendations for amendments to chapter 444, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and other chapters, if any, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2017; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Auditor, Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, Chairperson of the Board of Electricians and Plumbers, Chairperson of the Contractors License Board, Director of the Hawaii Iron Workers' Stabilization Fund, Business Manager of the Iron Workers Union Local 625, President of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, and President of the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Structural Licensing Board; Auditor Study