The current fragmented system
Hawaii doesn’t have one building code — it has four. Each county tweaks and updates its own on different timelines, creating a chaotic landscape for development.
Higher costs for small homes
Triplexes and fourplexes are treated as commercial buildings, triggering expensive requirements meant for large structures that add tens of thousands of dollars to construction costs.
Inconsistencies
A house that is legal to build on Maui might be illegal on Oahu due to conflicting rules. This inconsistency confuses builders and inspectors.
Supply barriers
Fragmented building rules reduce the statewide housing supply by slowing down projects and making approvals more expensive.
Learn more about why it matters
HB1725
This bill creates a single, sensible statewide building code that applies consistently across all counties, ending the patchwork system and making housing more affordable.
Residential standards
Would classify triplexes and fourplexes under the International Residential Code.
Safety first
Would ensure common-sense fire safety without imposing cost-prohibitive commercial requirements.
Six-year code cycle
Would update the state building code every six years, allowing agencies to focus on processing permits rather than rewriting regulations.
No moving goalposts
Would lock in building codes once a permit is accepted, preventing costly mid-project rule changes.
Frequently asked questions
Would this bill make multifamily homes less safe?
No. The International Residential Code requires strict fire-safety protections such as fire-rated walls, egress points and smoke alarms.
What is so bad about requiring fire sprinklers?
Fire sprinklers dramatically increase costs and are not required for similar residential buildings under the International Residential Code.
Would the counties lose all control?
No. The counties could adopt targeted amendments to address local needs, but the baseline code would remain consistent statewide to ensure predictability.
Would this bill change where triplexes and fourplexes are allowed?
No. This bill would not amend any state or county zoning rules. It only clarifies which building code applies once a project is already allowed by zoning.
Are other states doing this?
North Carolina and Utah are two states that apply the Residential Code to multifamily structures of up to four units, recognizing them as small residential buildings rather than commercial ones.
Who supports this?
