BIA-Hawaii needs your help in our effort to keep residential fire sprinklers optional for the homeowner.
In 2012, BIA-Hawaii passed a law, Act 83 (2012), which prohibits any County from mandating residential fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family residences. This law is scheduled to sunset, or end, on June 30, 2017. If this happens, then prices of new homes will be even higher, with less money for the homeowner to spend on upgrades that make their home their own. Shouldn't the homeowner decide whether spending upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 on a sprinkler system is an expense they should undertake?
One thing to note is that in the 2018 International Residential Codes, a proposed code change, if approved, will require fire sprinkler systems to be installed throughout homes whenever a new addition is built to an existing one- and two-family dwelling or townhouse. Think about it: this will kill our construction and remodeling industry. It is critical to stop this insanity now.
BIA is applying for funding from the NAHB's State and Local Issues Fund, up to $20,000. However, we must show that we have matching funding in the same amount to support this statewide campaign. Won't you join us in this important effort? Your support is needed and very much appreciated.