Vol. 5 No. 2 Apr-Jun 2013 - Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 675

APRIL/JUNE 2013 HA‘AHEO 675 PAGE 7Industry Bills Await Governor’s ApprovalThe legislative shift of procurement functions fromthe University of Hawaii to the Department ofAccounting & General Services (DAGS) alsocalls for the Board of Regents to install an independentaudit committee. The move was the essence of Act 87signed by the Governor May 31.Other industry-related bills awaiting review by theGovernor include:SB 586: Clarifies that agricultural building permitsmay be issued allowing an exemption from building coderequirements under certain defined circumstances. Theexemption covers nonresidential buildings or structures,including indigenous Hawaiian hale on commercial farmsand ranches located outside the urban district.HB 1202: Clarifies that a professional or vocationallicensee who corrects an inadvertent lapse with licensingrequirements within 60 days after relicensing due shallnot be guilty of unlicensed activity.HB 763: Modifies the composition and quorumof the Hawaii State Building Code council and revisesthe State Building Code. Also authorizes the Hawaii HurricaneRelief FundSB 454: Requires use of gray water, as a water conservationstep, to conform the State Plumbing Code. Gray water is defined.SB 682: Clarifies authority of County Fire Chiefs in examiningbuilding plans and documentation, to ensure compliance withthe County’s adopted fire code. Requires permit issuance beforework starts.Among resolutions sent to the Governor was SR 58 thatrequests the Comptroller to set up a study task force on theState Procurement Code and changes needed to streamline andimprove the procurement strategies on public works constructionprojects.Senate Asks LicenseBoard Review ofAutomatic “C” Licensesfor “B” GeneralsA possible overhaul of certain “C” specialtylicenses issued by the State Contractors LicenseBoard will be considered after it has reviewedcomments due by June 30.The request, embodied in SCR 84, noteschanges the Board recommends plus input fromother industry sources will be studied by theLegislative Reference Bureau with a report readyfor the next legislative session.Currently a “B” General Contractor canperform certain “C” specialty work not subject toan examination or pay the license fee required ofthe “C” applicant.The resolution reflects the legislature’s concernfor fairness in determining license qualificationsand how the present practice compares with thosein other jurisdictions.The plumbing and allied trades in Local 675’sjurisdiction are not among the “C” licensesautomatically given.New Journeymen toGraduate July 6Anxiously awaiting receipt of their program completioncertificates on July 6 are 62 members who completed theirfive-year apprenticeships in either the past fall or this springclass. The number compares to the 100 who graduated ayear ago, according to apprenticeship coordinator HaroldMcDermott.The event at the Hilton Coral Ballroom will honor as newgraduates in the various specialties: Plumber, 36; RefrigerationAir Conditioning, 12; Fire Sprinkler, 8; and Steamfitter-Welder, 6.Benefits Conference Slated on KauaiLocal 675 members and their ohana on the GardenIsland are encouraged to attend a membership benefitsconference scheduled Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Kauai Marriott & Beach Club.The PAMCAH-Union’s associated resources on healthcare, financial, investment and tax benefits will be availableto answer inquiries from attendees. For the keiki, therewill be goodies and entertainment to keep them amused.Attendees need to show their HMSA or Union card at theevent. Also invited are pensioners no longer members whoneed to bring an ID card, and for signatory employers, abusiness card.