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Senate passes resolution urging slower cadence for model-code updates after industry and county concerns
Summary
SCR 48 and SR 30, urging the International Code Council (ICC) to extend time between model-code updates and adoption, passed with amendments after testimony from a trade union and ICC; the committee inserted provisions from a related resolution and noted differing views among senators.
The Senate on March 24 passed SCR 48 and SR 30, a resolution urging the International Code Council to extend the time frame between model-code updates and state adoption and to take a more deliberative approach to revisions. The committee adopted amendments incorporating the contents of a related resolution (SCR 24) to address strategic planning and local code-adoption concerns.
Kiko Bukowski of IBEW Local 1260 and other witnesses urged the Legislature to focus on state-level solutions and the State Building Code Council rather than asking an international publisher to change its publication schedule. Bukowski noted that other code publishers — the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) — also publish codes relied on by Hawaii and should be considered when crafting policy.
The International Code Council’s Brian Imai testified in opposition. He said ICC is working with counties and the governor’s team to provide training and urged the Legislature to allow local and state processes to proceed before recommending measures that could reduce safety nationwide. Imai also clarified that the current model-code edition in play is 2024 and that Hawaii’s planned adoption of the 2021 edition was paused by the governor’s emergency proclamations and remains on hold.
During decision making the committee passed the resolution with amendments; one senator recorded a no vote, and another expressed opposition in the record, but the committee’s recommendation was adopted.
The committee’s action calls for strategic planning and coordination with counties and the State Building Code Council. It does not alter state code by itself; counties and the State Building Code Council retain authority over adoption and implementation processes.
