HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2365

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to THE state fire council.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a need to set minimum qualification standards in testing and certification of individuals, operators, and contractors who perform maintenance and conduct tests of portable fire extinguishers, fire protection systems, and fire alarm systems.  It is recommended that these certifications be recognized throughout the State of Hawaii and be based on current adopted state fire code and standards.

The legislature also finds that there is a need to develop, implement, and coordinate a statewide system to promote the effective use of fire and life safety resources.

The purpose of this Act is to authorize the State Fire Council to:

     (1)  Establish procedures for statewide qualifications, testing, and certification for individuals who conduct maintenance testing of fire extinguishers, fire protection, and fire alarm systems.  The county fire departments shall administer the testing and certification for individuals who conduct maintenance testing of fire extinguishers, fire protection, and fire alarm systems, and may charge a reasonable fee for the testing and certification; and

     (2)  Develop, coordinate, and implement a statewide system to promote the effective use of fire and life safety resources.

     SECTION 2.  Section 132-16, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§132-16  State fire council; composition; functions.  (a)  There is established a state fire council which shall be placed within the department of labor and industrial relations for administrative purposes.  The state fire council shall consist of the fire chiefs of the counties.  The state fire council may appoint an advisory committee to assist it in carrying out its functions under this chapter.  The advisory committee may include the heads of the various county building departments, a licensed architect recommended by the Hawaii Society of the American Institute of Architects, a licensed electrical engineer and a licensed mechanical engineer recommended by the Consulting Engineers Council of Hawaii, a representative of the Hawaii Rating Bureau, a representative of the Hawaii firefighters association, representatives of the county fire departments, and such other members of the public as the state fire council may determine can best assist it.  The state fire council shall elect a chairperson from among its members.

     (b)  In addition to adopting a state fire code pursuant to section 132-3, the state fire council shall:

     (1)  Administer the requirements for reduced ignition propensity cigarettes, in accordance with chapter 132C; and

     (2)  Serve as a focal point through which all applications to the federal government for federal grant assistance for fire-related projects shall be made.  Upon the receipt of any such federal grants, the state fire council shall administer those federal grants.

     (c)  The state fire council may also:

     (1)  Appoint advisory committees comprised of representatives from each county fire department to assist in drafting the state fire code and coordinating statewide training, data collection, and contingency planning needs for firefighters; and

     (2)  Advise and assist the county fire departments where appropriate, may prescribe standard procedures and forms relating to inspections, investigations, and reporting of fires, may approve plans for cooperation among the county fire departments, and may advise the governor and the legislature with respect to fire prevention and protection, life safety, and any other functions or activities for which the various county fire departments are generally responsible[.];

     (3)  Establish procedures for statewide qualifications, testing, and certification for individuals who conduct maintenance testing of fire extinguishers, fire protection, and fire alarm systems.  The county fire departments shall administer the testing and certification for individuals who conduct maintenance testing of fire extinguishers, fire protection, and fire alarm systems, and may charge a reasonable fee for the testing and certification; and

     (4)  Develop, implement, and coordinate a statewide system to promote the effective use of fire and life safety resources.  For purposes of this paragraph "fire and life safety resources" includes federal, state, and county police, fire, medical services, 911 emergency call facilities, and other health and safety services and facilities.

     (d)  The state fire council may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for purposes of this section."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Fire Protection; State Fire Council

 

Description:

Authorizes the State Fire Council to: (1) Establish procedures for statewide qualifications, testing, and certification for individuals who conduct maintenance testing of fire protection systems; and (2) Implement a statewide system to promote the effective use of fire and life safety resources.

 

 

 

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