HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2115
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to residential property.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in building materials for its fire retardant and sound proofing properties. However, microscopic asbestos fibers are barbed shaped and can lodge in the soft tissues of the lungs. Over time, scar tissue develops around the fibers, and for those with acute exposure the airways can become blocked, a condition known as asbestosis. Because of the health risks, a national ban was imposed on the use of asbestos as a building material beginning in the 1970s; despite the national ban, it is believed that, due to left over material stock, asbestos-containing material was still used in construction of residential properties in Hawaii until the mid-1980s.

The legislature further finds that there are two categories of asbestos: friable and non-friable. Friable asbestos can be released into the air by disturbing it by hand, while non-friable asbestos is typically mixed into vinyl or glue, encapsulating it. Examples of friable asbestos that are most harmful to human health include popcorn ceiling texturing and the backing of sheet vinyl flooring.

Although the harmful impacts of asbestos are widely known, asbestos has escaped regulation in Hawaii. As a result, families and workers are being exposed to potentially serious health risks when demolishing or renovating residential properties in the State.

The purpose of this Act, therefore, is to require each county to establish a procedure to ensure that an asbestos survey and any necessary abatement are performed prior to the issuance of any permit for the renovation or demolition of a residential property.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46-    Permitting for residential properties; asbestos survey and abatement. Each county shall establish a process to ensure an asbestos survey and any necessary abatement are completed prior to the issuance of any permit for the renovation or demolition of a residential property."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Asbestos; Residential Property Permitting; Counties

Description:

Requires each county to establish a procedure to ensure that an asbestos survey and any necessary abatement are performed prior to the issuance of any permit for the renovation or demolition of a residential property.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.