HI HR225

Urges the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and Building Industry Association of Hawaii to use certified fire-retardant coatings in newly-constructed one- and two-family residential dwellings after January 1, 2012.

Urges the State Building Code Council to require certified fire-retardant coatings in condominiums and other high rises without sprinkler systems.

Certified fire-retardant coatings provide benefits including significant smoke reduction, reduced flames on combustible surfaces, reduced toxin production, increased ignition resistance, and lowered thermal conductivity.

Fire-retardant coatings cost approximately $300 more than ordinary paint and maintain their fire-retardant qualities for many years when applied to interior dwellings.

Requires transmission of the resolution to leadership of contractors associations, the State Building Code Council, State Fire Council, and county Fire Chiefs.