Building Code Council

The Hawaii State Building Code Council develops and adopts the state building code, determining which editions of the International Building Code and related model codes apply in Hawaii and what Hawaii-specific amendments are needed to reflect local climate, seismic, and hurricane conditions. It reviews code update proposals, hears testimony from contractors and engineers, and adopts rules that apply to construction statewide. Counties may adopt additional local amendments on top of the state code.

Building codes set the structural, fire safety, and energy efficiency standards for every home and building constructed in Hawaii. Contractors, architects, homeowners, and residents who care about construction safety can participate in code update hearings when new editions of the building code are under consideration.