Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR81

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The State Architect.

Impact

If HCR81 is enacted, it is anticipated to facilitate improvements in the design review process for state construction by providing a dedicated agency overseen by a licensed architect. This change could lead to better adherence to building codes and construction standards, thereby safeguarding public interests and enhancing the predictability of project outcomes throughout the project's life cycle. The resolution suggests that comprehensive oversight by the State Architect could mitigate risks associated with unsafe construction practices.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 81 (HCR81) seeks to enhance the oversight of state construction projects in Hawaii by urging the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to examine the potential benefits and costs associated with establishing an Office of the State Architect. The proposed office would be responsible for the centralized review and approval of designs related to state construction projects, which would promote safety and compliance with building codes. The resolution posits that centralizing the authority would streamline processes and ensure a consistent approach across all state projects.

Contention

Notably, HCR81 calls for a detailed study that includes the evaluation of the costs associated with hiring or contracting qualified architects and engineers. The study would also address the necessary changes to existing laws to facilitate the establishment of this new office. Potential costs that could arise, along with the possibility of new fees for state agencies related to design approvals, may raise concerns among stakeholders regarding budget implications and operational efficiency within state departments. As the bill progresses, debates may emerge focusing on the practicality of creating such an office versus existing structures within the state government.

Additional_considerations

The resolution emphasizes the importance of timely reporting by DAGS, as it requests findings to be delivered prior to the 2027 legislative session. This time frame is critical, as it will potentially influence future legislation regarding construction processes and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the establishment of an office focused on architectural oversight could shift the dynamics of state contracting and the execution of construction projects, leading to discussions about the balance between state authority and local implementation.

Companion Bills

HI SCR37

Same As Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The State Architect.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR59

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Study The Feasibility Of Limiting The Costs Of Project And Construction Management In Each State Construction Project To Ten Percent Of The Total Cost Of The Project.

HI HR55

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Study The Feasibility Of Limiting The Costs Of Project And Construction Management In Each State Construction Project To Ten Percent Of The Total Cost Of The Project.

HI HCR166

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Restore Respect And Dignity To The Only Royal Palace In The Nation.

HI HCR106

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI HCR154

Requesting The Auditor To Perform A Comprehensive Performance, Management, And Financial Audit Of The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation And Department Of Accounting And General Services Regarding Spending Related To The Planning, Design, Financing, Construction, And Maintenance Of A New Jail To Replace The Oahu Community Correctional Center.

HI HCR131

Urging The Federal Aviation Administration And State Department Of Transportation To Encourage And Facilitate The Expansion Of Alternative Airline Services That Utilize Short Takeoff And Landing-capable Aircrafts And Requesting The State Department Of Transportation To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility And Implementation Of A Rural Air Service Program.

HI SCR239

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And The City And County Of Honolulu Department Of Parks And Recreation To Provide Universal Changing Accommodations In All State Facilities, State Parks, And City And County Parks.

HI HR161

Urging The Department Of Accounting And General Services And The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Restore Respect And Dignity To The Only Royal Palace In The Nation.

HI HR102

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI SCR110

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

Similar Bills

HI SB74

Relating To State Construction Projects.

HI HB971

Relating To State Construction Projects.

HI SB74

Relating To State Construction Projects.

HI HB971

Relating To State Construction Projects.

HI SB2064

Relating To State Construction Projects.

HI SR36

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The State Architect.

HI SCR37

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Costs And Benefits Of Creating An Office Of The State Architect.

FL S1592

Causes of Action Based on Improvements to Real Property