The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works, Building Division is releasing drafts of proposed building code amendments to the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These amendments are proposed in response to the building and construction codes adopted by the State Building Council and are part of a phased overhaul of energy, building, electrical, plumbing, and outdoor lighting codes to meet modern construction standards.

Pursuant to the Hawaii Revised Statutes 107-28(a), to meet a mandated adoption date of August 31, 2021, the Department of Public Works is asking community stakeholders to provide comment and, or propose amendments to these drafts. The community comment period will be open until April 30, 2021.  Due to the current pandemic, public meetings will not be held; however, community members wishing to propose amendments to these drafts may do so via Google form (link provided below).

Links to the proposed drafts can be found as follows:

Hawaii County proposed amendments to the 2018 International Building Code (with State Amendments)

CHAPT 5A – BUILDING CODE 3/30/21 Draft.

Hawaii County proposed amendments to the 2018 International Residential Code (with State Amendments)

CHAPT 5B – RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE 3/30/21 Draft

Hawaii County proposed amendments to the 2018 International Existing Building Code (with State Amendments)

CHAPT 5C – EXISTING BUILDING CODE 3/30/21 Draft

Hawaii County proposed amendments to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (with State Amendments)

CHAPT 5E – ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE 3/30/21 Draft

The Google form link for the community to submit proposed amendments can be found here: Click Here

Instructions to submit proposed amendments are as follows:

1. The proponent shall provide their contact information.
2. The proponent shall clearly state the purpose of the proposed code amendment (e.g., clarify the Code; revise outdated material; substitute new or revised material for current provision of the Code; add new County of Hawaii requirements to the adopted Code; delete current requirements, etc.).  Any proposed revisions or additions to tables or figures must be included. 3
3. The proponent shall format the proposal using a strikeout for proposed deletions, and an underline for proposed additions.
4. The proponent shall justify amending the current code provisions, stating why the proposal is superior to the current provisions of the Model Code with State Amendments.  Proposals that add or delete requirements shall be supported by a logical explanation which clearly describes how the proposal is not inconsistent with, or tending to defeat the intent of the Model Code with State amendments, specifies the shortcomings of the current Code provisions in the County of Hawaii, and explains how such proposals will improve the Hawaii County Code.
5. The proponent shall substantiate the proposed code change based on technical information and substantiation.  Substantiation provided which is determined as not germane to the technical issues addressed in the proposed code change shall be identified as such, and the proponent shall be notified that the proposal is considered an incomplete proposal and may be held until the deficiencies are corrected.
6. The proponent shall submit a bibliography of any substantiating material submitted with the code change proposal.  The proponent shall make the substantiating materials available for review

The proposed amendments submitted by community members will be carefully reviewed and considered before the final draft amendments are submitted to the County Council Public Works and Mass Transit Committee for review. Once the amendments are approved by the Committee, it will then undergo two readings at the County Council where it must pass before being accepted as part of the County Code.

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Public Works would like to thank each of you for taking the time to participate in this process.

For questions or concerns contact the Department of Public Works Building Division by phone at (808) 961-8331 or email cohbuild@hawaiicounty.gov.