Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR86

Introduced
3/12/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

The adoption of these standards is seen as a meaningful step towards mitigating Hawaii's housing shortage. Off-site construction methods such as modular and prefabricated building are projected to lower costs, enhance quality, and expedite building timelines. In addition, the alignment with these national standards is expected to minimize duplicative reviews of plans, thereby increasing efficiency for builders and contractors in Hawaii, and potentially alleviating some of the existing burdens that housing developers face in the state. Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader state goals aimed at enhancing climate resilience and sustainability in building practices.

Summary

HCR86 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis by promoting off-site construction methods. The resolution requests the State Building Code Council and various counties to adopt, amend, or update state and county building codes to incorporate the ICC/MBI 1200, 1205, and 1210 Standards for Off-Site Construction. These standards are intended to streamline the construction process through improved regulations concerning planning, design, inspection, and compliance while emphasizing environmental consideration and energy efficiency.

Contention

While the resolution aims to bolster construction practices and boost housing availability, it may encounter contention regarding the extent to which customization can be incorporated into off-site construction. Stakeholders, including county building officials, housing advocates, and labor organizations, will need to collaborate to ensure that the standards are tailored to fit Hawaii's unique geographical and environmental context. There may be concerns about ensuring that the rapid implementation of these standards does not compromise safety and resilience amid Hawaii's vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis.

Companion Bills

HI HR78

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR66

Requesting The State Building Code Council To Adopt, Amend, Or Update The State Building Code To Authorize Point Access Block Construction For Residential Buildings Up To Six Stories In The State.

HI HR60

Requesting The State Building Code Council To Adopt, Amend, Or Update The State Building Code To Authorize Point Access Block Construction For Residential Buildings Up To Six Stories In The State.

HI HCR67

Requesting The Governor, State Building Code Council, Planning Departments Of Each County, Mayors Of Each County, And Chairs Of The Senate And House Of Representatives Standing Committees On Housing To Develop A Comprehensive Strategy For Adopting Updated Building Codes.

HI SCR48

Requesting The Office Of The Governor, State Building Code Council, Building Departments Of Each County, Mayors Of Each County, And Chairs Of The Senate And House Of Representatives Standing Committees On Housing To Develop A Comprehensive Strategy For Adopting Updated Building Codes.

HI SR30

Requesting The Office Of The Governor, State Building Code Council, Building Departments Of Each County, Mayors Of Each County, And Chairs Of The Senate And House Of Representatives Standing Committees On Housing To Develop A Comprehensive Strategy For Adopting Updated Building Codes.

HI HB356

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI SB698

Relating To The State Building Codes.

HI SB48

Relating To The State Building Code Council.

HI HB1

Relating To Building Codes.

HI SCR163

Requesting The Counties To Adopt Flexible Setback Requirements Or Establish Variance Procedures For State Buildings And Facilities To Enhance Land Use Efficiency And Public Service Delivery.

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