Question: I live in the Kukui Plaza condominium, where residents were informed by management that during an inspection by the Honolulu Fire Department and due to a new fire code, there would be no barbecuing immediately on the million-dollar, award-winning designed garden deck of our complex. All the charcoal grills were removed, and we are not to use even gas grills or our own portable grills. Then it was discovered that a new condo downtown still had grills in their recreation area. Why is this not being equitably enforced by HFD at all the town houses, condominiums and apartments islandwide, and why the ridiculous new law, which takes away from the residents’ enjoyment of their facilities? I can see the definite fire hazard and thus the no-barbecuing rule for apartments with lanais, but for the 40-some years of Kukui Plaza’s existence, there has never been a fire on our garden deck. 

Answer: You should be enjoying grilling again on the garden deck.

The Honolulu Fire Department does grant variances to a tougher fire code prohibiting the use of grills in condo buildings, and Kukui Plaza received such a variance in mid-April to restore use of the garden deck grills, under several conditions.

In general, however, the restrictions, which stem from the Hawaii State Fire Council’s adoption in 2010 of the National Fire Protection Association’s fire code, stand. HFD adopted the state code in March 2012.

Previous Honolulu fire codes did not address the use of hibachi, gas-fired or charcoal grills in buildings in the same manner, said HFD Capt. Terry Seelig.

However, as early as 2009, HFD inspectors informed condominium owner associations that the new fire code would require the removal of charcoal grills, he said.

The new code recognizes the danger of a fire accidentally spreading if a hibachi, gas-fired or charcoal grill were used in a building, under any overhanging portion of the building or within 10 feet of the building, he said.

The restriction applies to all buildings except one- and two-family dwellings.

HFD inspectors explained that charcoal grills outside of a condo tower are not allowed on top of a parking structure or on a recreational deck that was part of the building, as they were technically in the building.

Seelig said inspectors also explained the options a building owner had to retain grilling facilities. One was to use only approved electric grills; another was to request the continued use of gas-fired or charcoal grills where safety measures could be taken.

In the case of Kukui Plaza, HFD inspectors informed management Jan. 27 that charcoal grills were not allowed and explained again the available alternatives, Seelig said.

The Kukui Plaza Association of Owners requested a variance, and after meeting with fire inspectors, it was given permission by the fire chief to restore the use of the garden deck grills, provided several fire safety conditions were met to prevent fire in the charcoal grills from accidentally spreading, he said.

Anyone concerned that a building, other than a one- or two-family dwelling, is 

using hibachi, gas-fired or charcoal grills, or similar cooking devices within the building, under any overhanging portion of the building or closer than 10 feet from the building is advised to call HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 723-7161.

"The fire code will be explained and applied equally and fairly to all occupancies without exception," Seelig said.

COCKLE-DOODLE-NO

An inspector with the city Department of Planning and Permitting was able to visit the Sunset Beach property where neighbors complained up to 30 roosters were being kept (see is.gd/bdSBYi).

The site investigation showed approximately 20 chickens kept on the country-zoned property, where a maximum of two "pet" roosters/chickens are allowed.

The owner was informed of the zoning law, and a subsequent reinspection Tuesday showed only two chickens, which the owner considers "his pets," remaining.

"Currently there is no violation for this property," a DPP spokesman said. 

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.