HCC §5B-1-9
How model codes are turned into county rules
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section explains that when the county code mentions a model code, it means the county's own chapter for that topic. Some model codes are only guidelines, not required rules. If a code rule conflicts with an equipment's listing, the listing wins.
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The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — References to model codes
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 codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in section 5B-1-8. (b) Wherever a model code is referenced in this code, the following shall apply: (1) The International Building Code shall mean the building code, chapter 5A, Hawai‘i County Code; (2) The International Residential Code, shall mean the residential building code, chapter 5B, Hawai‘i County Code; (3) The International Existing Building Code, shall mean the existing building code, chapter 5C, Hawai‘i County Code; (4) The International Electrical Code shall mean the electrical code, chapter 5D, Hawai‘i County Code; (5) The International Energy Conservation Code, shall mean the energy conservation code, chapter 5E, Hawai‘i County Code; (6) The International Plumbing Code shall mean the plumbing code, chapter 5F, Hawai‘i County Code; (7) The International Fuel Gas Code, the provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code shall be deemed to be only guidelines and not mandatory; (8) The International Mechanical Code, the provisions of the International Mechanical Code shall be deemed to be only guidelines and not mandatory; (9) The International Property Maintenance Code, the provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code shall be deemed to be only guidelines and not mandatory; and (10) The International Fire Code shall mean the fire code, chapter 26, Hawai‘i County Code. Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment of appliance, the condition of the listing shall govern. (2021, ord 21-61, sec 1.) 5B-1-9 SUPP. 11 (1-2022) 5B-4 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE § 5B-2-1 Article 2. Installation Requirements.
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.