Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, November 24, 2019

ADAPTING THE STATE ENERGY CODE FOR HAWAI`I COUNTY's "unique environment is moving closer to fruition with plenty of input from island residents," according to a County statement on Friday. Department of Public Works announced that the County's bill to amend and adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code is expected to reach its first Council Committee agenda in either late December or January. The Code applies to construction of new buildings and for old buildings to undergo major renovations.
     In August, the 2015 IECC became effective in order to meet the State's energy reduction and clean energy deadline. However, concerns about a higher cost of construction led to community meetings and proposed amendments, with consultation from the design and building industry.
     In October, for the first time during the Code adoption process, interested members of the building, architectural, and real estate sectors participated in two topic-focused workshops held by DPW's Building Division. More than 60 people attended the workshops in Hilo and Kailua-Kona.           Following these workshops, the public had about one week to submit written proposed amendments. Among many concerns with the code were such requirements as insulated roofs, which could triple roofing costs. Alternative proposals included installing solar attic fans and ridge and gable ventilation. Also proposed are allowing jalousie windows, which provide maximum cooling, but in some places across the country are disallowed because of the danger of flying glass during hurricanes.
    "I applaud the Public Works Building Division for taking that leap and seeking input from industry professionals as part of the code adoption process," says District 3 Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, chair of the Council's Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit. "This bill is one step in the County's comprehensive long-term effort to update the County's building, plumbing, and electrical codes, and I thank the public for their patience as my office and Public Works staff work through the proposed amendments."
     Public Works received 203 comments and proposed amendments to the State's adoption of the Energy Code as a result of the workshops and the ensuing comment period. Acting Building Division Chief Robyn Matsumoto said, "We're thrilled we received the volume of feedback that we did. It's taken a lot of work to review each and every proposed amendment and by working closely with Councilwoman Lee Loy we anticipate submitting a solid bill for Council's consideration next month."
    According to the county statement, the overall intent proposed amendments is to lower the cost of building on Hawai'i Island by taking into consideration the tropical climate and residents' median income relative to the rest of the state while striving to meet the state's energy goals.
    After the proposed amendments are submitted to the Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, they will undergo two readings at County Council meetings before the Council votes to formally adopt the amendments.
 
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A TRAFFIC FATALITY IN A ONE CAR ACCIDENT ON KAMAOA ROAD was reported today. Hawai`i County Fire Department responded to a call at 9:58 this morning, a half mile east of South Point Road intersection on Kama`oa. Police, firefighters and medics reached the scene at 10:11 a.m to find a man in his 20s or 30s, restrained in an overturned convertible in the brush on the side of the road. He was lifeless. The report lists the cause as unknown and the man has not been named. Chopper 2, which was headed to the scene to take the victim to emergency medical services, turned back after it was evident that the man died in the accident.

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Riding by the Judges Booth at Na`alehu Arena. Photo by Katie Graham

MORE RODEO ARENA COMPETITION is scheduled through the end of the year at Na`alehu Arena, sponsored by Ka`u Riding & Roping Association.
     A gymkhana today saw keiki and youth competing in many categories.
    Another gymkhana will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30. Heading into Christmas, Ka`u Roping & Riding will hold its second annual Lantern Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. on Hwy 11, the Main Street of Na`alehu.