Hawaii · Building code

The building code in force in Hawaii now.

Hawaii State Building Code based on 2018 IBC, state-amended. Enforced by State Building Code Council adopts; county building departments enforce. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Hawaii

Checked on the source

In force

Hawaii State Building Code based on 2018 IBC, state-amended

CONFLICT: DAGS rules page lists the 2018 IBC-based State Building Code; the Council's 2025 Annual Report says 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC applied at state level by default, unamended, while counties keep amended 2018 codes. Housing emergency proclamations suspend Council updates and the county two-year deadline; counties may still update. Confirm with the county.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

State Building Code Council adopts; county building departments enforce

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

Adoption pending, undated

20th housing proclamation (signed Jul 10, 2026; re-read Oct 21, 2026) suspended HRS 107-24(c), 107-27(a), 107-28 and 107-31 through Sep 8, 2026, unless superseded; no later affordable-housing proclamation could be confirmed on the primary page, so whether the suspension continues is unconfirmed; confirm county code with the county

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Hawaii

Which building code applies in Hawaii today?

Hawaii State Building Code based on 2018 IBC, state-amended. CONFLICT: DAGS rules page lists the 2018 IBC-based State Building Code; the Council's 2025 Annual Report says 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC applied at state level by default, unamended, while counties keep amended 2018 codes. Housing emergency proclamations suspend Council updates and the county two-year deadline; counties may still update. Confirm with the county.

Who enforces the building code in Hawaii?

State Building Code Council adopts; county building departments enforce.

What changes next for the building code in Hawaii?

Adoption pending, undated. 20th housing proclamation (signed Jul 10, 2026; re-read Oct 21, 2026) suspended HRS 107-24(c), 107-27(a), 107-28 and 107-31 through Sep 8, 2026, unless superseded; no later affordable-housing proclamation could be confirmed on the primary page, so whether the suspension continues is unconfirmed; confirm county code with the county