MEDIA RELEASE

With the move to toward energy- efficiency goals, the County of Hawai‘i has replaced the building energy code with amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for new and renovated buildings, which the County Building Department will be enforcing starting May 11, 2010 under Ordinance No. 09-48, Bill 385, Draft 2, passed the Hawai‘i County Council.

The County law:

• Allows innovative approaches to be energy efficient
• Encourages flexibility for design and structure to be energy efficient in Hawaii
• Sets minimum requirements for design and construction of new commercial and residential building, and
• Renovating a building exceeding fifty percent of its appraised value must conform.

Plans for new construction or renovation would be required to comply with the ordinance, and buildings must be insulated, except non-habitable structures; garage, lanai, storage shed, pet houses, gazebos, and etc. Indigenous architecture and historical buildings are exempt.

For a copy of the County Ordinance No. 09-48, Bill 385, Draft 2, contact the Council Services at 961-8000 or download a copy at http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/0/doc/57053/Page1.aspx