What Does This Hawaii Bill Amendment Mean for Homeowners and Professionals?
A new Hawaii bill amendment is making its way through the Hawaii Congress has the potential to significantly impact both homeowners and licensed professionals in the state. The bill proposes to amend Section 464-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which deals with exemptions from certain provisions for privately owned or controlled buildings and residences. In this blog post, we will examine the current state of the law, the changes proposed by the bill, and the implications for homeowners and professionals in Hawaii.
Current Hawaii Law: As it stands, Section 464-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes exempts certain buildings and dwellings from its provisions based on their estimated cost. Specifically, it excludes one-story buildings with an estimated cost not exceeding $40,000 and two-story buildings not exceeding $35,000. Additionally, for one-story structures used primarily as residences, the cost limit is $50,000, and for two-story residential structures, it is $45,000. However, the exemption does not apply to structures with reinforced concrete or structural steel having riveted, bolted, or welded connections.
Proposed Changes: The Hawaii bill amendment proposes to increase the cost thresholds for exemption from the provisions of Section 464-13.
The new cost limits would be as follows:
- One-story privately owned or controlled buildings: from $40,000 to $77,000
- Two-story privately owned or controlled buildings: from $35,000 to $67,500
- One-story residential structures: from $50,000 to $96,500
- Two-story residential structures: from $45,000 to $86,500
Implications for Homeowners: For homeowners in Hawaii, these proposed changes could mean greater flexibility in construction and renovation projects. With the increased cost thresholds, more projects would fall under the exemption, allowing homeowners to avoid the requirements of the chapter. This could potentially result in cost savings, as homeowners might not need to comply with certain regulations or engage licensed professionals for projects that now fall under the exemption.
However, it is crucial for homeowners to understand that while the exemption may provide more freedom in terms of project scope, it does not exempt them from adhering to building codes, safety regulations, or other applicable laws. Moreover, choosing to forgo hiring licensed professionals could result in subpar work, leading to potential problems down the road.
Implications for Licensed Professionals: For licensed professionals providing services to property owners, the proposed changes could have mixed effects. On the one hand, higher cost thresholds might mean fewer projects will require their services, potentially leading to a decrease in demand for their expertise. This could be particularly concerning for professionals whose primary clientele consists of homeowners undertaking smaller-scale projects.
On the other hand, these changes could also lead to increased demand for professionals who specialize in larger projects, as homeowners may choose to invest more in their properties given the expanded exemption. Additionally, as some homeowners may find themselves facing issues resulting from subpar work done without licensed professionals, there may be an uptick in demand for professionals to correct or assess such problems.
Conclusion: The Hawaii bill amendment to Section 464-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, if passed, could have significant implications for both homeowners and licensed professionals in Hawaii. For homeowners, the increased cost thresholds could provide more flexibility and potential cost savings. For professionals, the bill’s impact will likely depend on their area of expertise and clientele. As this bill continues to move through the Hawaii Congress, it will be essential for all parties to stay informed and consider the potential ramifications of these changes.
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