HI HR197

Requests the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Department of Accounting and General Services to exempt louver jalousie windows installed on unconditioned buildings and dwellings from the Statewide Building Code established under Act 82, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007.

The International Energy Conservation Code adopted into the International Building Code establishes solar heat gain coefficient, U-factor, and fenestration air leakage standards for louver jalousie windows in both conditioned and unconditioned buildings.

Argues that these energy standards make sense for conditioned buildings with air conditioning or heating systems, but are unnecessary for unconditioned buildings in Hawaii's temperate climate with prevailing trade winds providing natural ventilation.

Notes that pre-1970 Hawaii homes were designed with single wall construction and jalousie windows to leverage cross ventilation and trade winds while keeping construction costs lower.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services and members of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.