HCC §17-3-3
Fire board hears appeals and can allow fire code alternatives
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section sets up the fire board of appeals. The board hears appeals from the fire chief's decisions about the fire code and fireworks code. It can allow different but equally safe methods or changes, but it cannot waive the codes. Its decisions only apply to the case at hand.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Powers; duties; functions
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
(a) The fire board of appeals shall hear and issue rulings on appeals from final decisions of the fire chief relating to article 1, the County fire code and article 2, the fireworks code. (b) Rulings of the board shall interpret and be consistent with the County fire code and the fireworks code. In the event that any provision of the code is found to be ambiguous, the board shall interpret the intent of the code in a manner that affords due consideration for the safety of the public and firefighters. SUPP. 20 (7-2026) 17-20 FIRE § 17-3-3 (c) The board may grant alternatives or modifications to the provisions or requirements of the County fire code and the fireworks code, provided the following requirements are met: (1) Equivalencies. Systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by the County fire code and the fireworks code, may be allowed, provided technical documentation is submitted to the fire chief that demonstrates equivalency and that the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose. (2) Alternatives. The requirements of the County fire code and fireworks code may be altered by the fire chief to allow alternative methods that secure equivalent fire safety. In no case shall the alternative afford less fire safety than, in the judgement of the fire chief, would be provided by compliance with the provisions contained in the County fire code and fireworks code. (3) Modifications. The requirements of the County fire code and fireworks code may be modified by the fire chief upon application in writing by the owner, a lessee, or a duly authorized representative where there are practical difficulties in carrying out the provisions of the County fire code or fireworks code, provided that the intent of the Code is complied with, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. (d) The board may not waive the requirements of the County fire code or the fireworks code. (e) Board decisions shall not be precedent setting. (f) The board may adopt rules for the conduct of its business that are consistent with the County fire code and the fireworks code. (2018, ord 18-15, sec 2; am 2023, ord 23-8, sec 3.) 17-3-3
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
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