HR 78: requesting the state Building code council and the counties to adopt, amend, or update the state building codes and county building codes to incorporate CERTAIN standards for off-site construction.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the state Building code council and the counties to adopt, amend, or update the state building codes and county building codes to incorporate CERTAIN standards for off-site construction.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii continues to face urgent housing shortages, compounded by high construction costs, labor constraints, and limited buildable land; and

     WHEREAS, off-site construction, including modular, panelized, prefabricated, and other industrial building methods, offers opportunities to lower costs, improve quality, accelerate delivery schedules, and reduce environmental impacts compared to traditional on-site construction; and

     WHEREAS, the International Code Council (ICC), in partnership with the Modular Building Institute (MBI) and other stakeholders, developed the ICC/MBI 1200, 1205, and 1210 Standards for Off-Site Construction, which provide uniform requirements for:

     (1)  Planning, design, fabrication, and assembly (1200 Standard);

     (2)  Inspection and regulatory compliance (1205 Standard); and

     (3)  Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems (1210 Standard), including provisions to promote energy efficiency and water conservation as part of Hawaii's broader policy goals for sustainability and resilience; and

     WHEREAS, Appendix N of the International Building Code provides a framework for jurisdictions to adopt guidelines for registering repeatable, pre-approved building designs by maintaining a registry of approved designs and utilizing a site-specific application and review process focused on local conditions, thereby reducing duplicative plan reviews and promoting consistency; and

     WHEREAS, the adoption of these standards would promote consistency and clarity for designers, builders, regulators, and consumers in Hawaii, thereby encouraging innovation while ensuring safety, durability, and resilience; and

     WHEREAS, under section 107-25(6), Hawaii Revised Statutes, the State Building Code Council is expressly authorized to adopt code provisions based on nationally published codes or standards, including mechanical standards, residential and hurricane-resistant standards, flood and tsunami standards, and other loss mitigation standards; and

     WHEREAS, the incorporation of the ICC/MBI Standards for Off-Site Construction not only falls squarely within this statutory authority, but also advances the State's goals for disaster preparedness by strengthening building performance in the face of hurricanes, tsunamis, and other natural hazards; and

     WHEREAS, alignment with these nationally recognized standards will also support Hawaii's commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable building practices, helping reduce utility burdens for households and improve long-term climate resilience; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the State Building Code Council and the counties are requested to adopt, amend, or update the State Building Codes and county building codes to incorporate the International Code Council and Modular Building Institute 1200, 1205, and 1210 Standards for Off-Site Construction; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Building Code Council is requested to adopt Appendix N of the International Building Code and adopt conforming rules to standardize statewide design registration and pre-approved plans, including rules related to a central registry of approved replicable designs agreed upon by each county and a uniform site-specific verification process limited to local conditions, such as foundation specifications, wind and seismic parameters, geotechnical considerations, and utilities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Building Code Council is requested to consult with county building officials, industry stakeholders, labor organizations, housing advocates, and other affected parties to ensure that the incorporation of these standards is compatible with Hawaii's unique climate, geographical, and workforce considerations; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Comptroller, Chair of the State Building Code Council, Director of the Hawaii County Department of Public Works, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu, County Engineer of the Kauai County Department of Public Works, and Director of the Maui County Department of Public Works.

Report Title:

State Building Code Council; State Building Code; Standards for Off-Site Construction