Advocates and opponents spar over resolution on rapid-deployment shelter standards; committee amends and passes

The committee debated HCR82 HD1 / HR74 HD1, a resolution asking the State Building Code Council to develop basic shelter standards to enable low-cost rapid-deployment housing solutions.

Chase Silver of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities urged amendments to make the units accessible from the outset, citing small curb steps and other design features that can prohibit wheelchair access. Silver said, “The intent of our requested amendments is just to allow for these homes to be accessible,” and asked that accessibility be considered at the front end of design.

A representative testifying in opposition told the committee the resolution could create a legislative pathway for temporary emergency shelters to become permanent, potentially relegating vulnerable people to substandard housing. The opponent said the resolution references Appendix P of the California code and national standards (HUD and FEMA) and argued those references might lower local building standards; the witness asked the committee to defer the measure.

Members questioned witnesses about resiliency and whether temporary structures have in practice been made permanent, citing Lahaina as an example. Committee members also pressed on who should set maximum durations and how to reconcile emergency flexibility with long-term safety requirements.

After discussion the committee voted to pass HCR82/HR74 with amendments intended to require upgrades to Hawaii code or HUD code if units are converted to permanent housing and to note the State Council on Developmental Disabilities’ concerns in the committee report. The chair announced the recommendation was adopted.