HI SR36

Requests the Department of Accounting and General Services to study the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect within the department, headed by a full-time State Architect licensed in Hawaii.

The proposed office would centralize design review for all state construction projects, ensuring compliance with building codes and construction standards including electrical, energy conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk requirements.

Study must analyze costs and benefits of having the State Architect review all plans and specifications, issue design approvals for traditional design-bid-build projects, and assign inspectors to observe construction work.

Study must evaluate staffing costs for the State Architect position and additional staff, as well as appropriate fees to charge state agencies for design review services.

Report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation is due to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session.