Implications of a Pending Amendments to Section 464-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes

Introduction:

The Hawaii Congress is currently reviewing a bill that proposes significant amendments to Section 464-13 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The changes center around increasing the cost thresholds for exemptions, which may impact both homeowners and licensed professionals in the state. In this LinkedIn article, we'll explore the proposed changes and the potential effects on key stakeholders.

The Proposed Changes:

Section 464-13 currently exempts certain privately owned or controlled buildings and residential structures from its provisions based on their estimated cost. The bill proposes to raise these cost limits as follows:

1. One-story privately owned or controlled buildings: from $40,000 to $77,000
2. Two-story privately owned or controlled buildings: from $35,000 to $67,500
3. One-story residential structures: from $50,000 to $96,500
4. Two-story residential structures: from $45,000 to $86,500

Implications for Homeowners:

The increased cost thresholds could provide homeowners with more flexibility and potential cost savings when undertaking construction and renovation projects. More projects would now fall under the exemption, allowing homeowners to avoid the requirements of the chapter.

It's crucial, however, for homeowners to understand that the exemption doesn't free them from adhering to building codes, safety regulations, and other applicable laws. Choosing to forgo hiring licensed professionals might save costs upfront, but could lead to potential problems and additional expenses in the long run.

Implications for Licensed Professionals:

For licensed professionals, the proposed changes present a mixed bag of potential outcomes. On the one hand, the higher cost thresholds could mean fewer projects require their services, which might result in a decrease in demand for certain types of expertise.

On the other hand, the changes could also lead to increased demand for professionals specializing in larger projects, as homeowners may choose to invest more in their properties given the expanded exemption. Furthermore, professionals may see an uptick in demand for their services to correct or assess issues arising from subpar work done without their expertise.

Conclusion:

The amended Hawaii Bill has the potential to significantly impact both homeowners and licensed professionals. As the bill progresses through Congress, it's important for all parties to stay informed and consider the potential ramifications of these changes. By understanding the proposed amendments, homeowners and professionals can better navigate the shifting landscape and make informed decisions regarding their construction and renovation projects.

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