LIHU‘E — The County of Kaua‘i plumbing code is due for an update, per state of Hawai‘i requirements.
The state adopted its current plumbing code, based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, two years ago. All counties must amend and adopt the state plumbing code no later than May 19, 2022.
A bill making the necessary changes was introduced to the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday, with letters of support from the Plumbing &Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawai‘i and Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 675.
“The 2018 UPC provides for the use of updated technologies, new installation methods and important water-conservation options, while maintaining the primary focus of protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare,” PAMCA Executive Director Gregg S. Serikaku wrote.
“This code, together with the state and county’s professional-licensing requirements, result in properly designed, installed and maintained plumbing systems,” Serikaku continued.
The bill introduced Wednesday, besides adopting an amended version of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, was initially set to increase the county’s plumbing-permit fees. But an amendment circulated Wednesday nipped the new charges in the bud.
Kaua‘i plumbing-permit fees were last increased in 2008. Councilmember Billy DeCosta requested Acting County Engineer Troy Tanigawa to compare them to other counties’ rates.
“At this point, your fees have been in place for a number of years,” Tanigawa replied. “We’re actually below what Maui County is currently charging.”
DeCosta characterized the unchanged fee schedule as a win for island residents.
“Plumbers always pass the fee off on the homeowners anyway, so thank you, the County of Kaua‘i, for looking out for future homeowner owners and builders,” DeCosta said.
The Hawai‘i state plumbing code will become the counties’ interim code in any county that does not adopt new amendments by May 19.
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Scott Yunker, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or syunker@thegardenisland.com.
