Hawaii Regulates Propane Storage Under the State Fire Code (HRS §132-3)

HRS §132-3 requires the State Fire Council to adopt a state fire code covering "the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials, and devices," which captures liquefied petroleum gas. The adopted Hawaii State Fire Code incorporates the NFPA 1 Fire Code and, through it, NFPA 58 (the LP-Gas Code): the standards that fix propane cylinder and tank separation distances, quantity limits, and installation requirements. The code becomes part of the Hawaii state building codes under section 107-25, and the State Fire Council reviews and amends it annually. County fire chiefs enforce it, assisted by the office of the state fire marshal under HRS §132-4 and §132-33.

County fire departments inspect and enforce propane storage under the adopted fire code; a fire chief who finds evidence that a fire-related crime occurred refers it to the county prosecuting attorney for criminal proceedings under HRS §132-4.