Rising with Reservations Regarding
SB 392 S.D.2 H.D.2
Standing Comm. Rep. No. 1829
O.D. Page No. 14 (draft)
(final)
Part III of this act exempts airport projects from complying with County building and other safety codes. The Honolulu Fire Department vigorously opposed this provision.
I find it hard to believe there are two different fire protection standards in the world - one used by the State Airports Division and the other used by the Counties.
The safety of residents, visitors and employees would best be protected if an outside agency, such as the County, reviewed the plans of the Airports Division. We do not let private builders and developers certify that their building meets code because they have a conflict of interest. The Airports Division would have a similar conflict of interest.
Finally, the expertise in reviewing and applying building and fire codes resides in the Counties, not in the State government. We should go to the experts and get their advice.