CLARITY FOR BILL 69
Clarity For Bill 69
T
he fire that occurred on July
14, 2017 at the Marco Polo
condominium complex in
Honolulu brought to light the
importance of fire sprinkler
installation in all condominiums.
Prior to 1975, the installation of fire
sprinkler systems was not a building
code requirement, which resulted
in the construction of 300 high-rise
condominiums without sprinklers. Since
that time, states and municipalities have
come to recognize that when fire sprinklers
are properly installed in high-rise buildings,
the spread of fire is reduced and safety of
residents is greatly enhanced.
With the adoption of Ordinance 18-14 [Bill
69 (2017), CD2, FD2], authorities took a
major step forward to protect the lives of
condominium residents and fire fighters,
and to contain fires more easily. The
ordinance was signed into law by Honolulu
Mayor Kirk Caldwell on May 3, 2018, but
has since seen multiple amendments,
which has caused some confusion within
the community.
On Thursday, September 6, Atlas
Insurance Agency held a Bill 69 panel
discussion, which provided a 360-degree
approach to reaching clarity on all
aspects of the bill. Our panel of industry
experts are all at the forefront of thought
leadership in their respective fields, and
each of their perspectives plays a crucial
role in the development, interpretation,
and implementation of Bill 69. This panel
included City Council Member Carol
Fukunaga, Battalion Fire Chief Wayne
Masuda, Attorney and PMKC Partner
Chris Porter, and Owner and Bergeman
Group Managing Member Dana Bergeman.
The panel answered both prepared
questions and questions from the audience,
providing next steps for the affected
condominium buildings-those which are
75 feet and higher.
On accordance with the new law, a written
letter of intent must be submitted to the
Honolulu Fire Department by all affected
parties on or before November 2, 2018.
Once the letter is received, the Honolulu
Fire Department will review and respond
to each petition within 60 calendar days.
According to the resolution, unsprinklered
condominiums should conduct a ‘building
fire and life safety’ evaluation by a
licensed design professional—defined
as an architect or engineer who is
knowledgeable with the requirements
of the evaluation—within three years of
the effective date of the ordinance (May
2, 2021). Within six years of the effective
BY: SHARILYN TANAKA
ATLAS INSURANCE
AGENCY
date of the ordinance (May 2, 2024), the
condominium will need to achieve a
passing score on its fire assessment score.
Once the condominium has obtained a
passing score, the owners may vote to
opt-out of the automatic fire sprinkler
requirement.
The confusion that has resulted in the
wake of the Ordinance 18-14 [Bill 69]
Fire Sprinkler Bill has brought to light
the importance of educating our Atlas
Insurance clients as well as the community
at large with respect to this issue. We
believe that by providing clarity, we will be
better able to assist our clients with their
insurance needs and provide the most
effective products and services available. +
Sharilyn Tanaka oversees two departments as
the Vice President of AOAO and Personal Lines.
Since joining Atlas in 2008, she has quickly
progressed through several management
positions including unit manager, assistant
VP, and now Vice President. Throughout her
time, Sharilyn has worked on a variety projects
across different departments allowing her to
develop a multifaceted approach. In her role,
Sharilyn will be focusing on supporting the
AOAO and Personal Lines unit achieve their
new business goals.
7