HAR §15-215-5. Rules of interpretation

(a) Provisions of the rules are activated by "shall" when required; "should" when recommended; and "may" when optional. (b) In addition to text-only contents of the rules, section 15-215-5 (rules of interpretation) shall also control related captions, titles, and figures. (c) Terms not defined in section 15-215-8 (definition of terms) shall be accorded their commonly accepted meanings. In the event of conflicts between these definitions and those found elsewhere within the authority's administrative rules, these rules shall take precedence. (d) Where in conflict, numerical metrics shall take precedence over graphic metrics. (e) Words used in the singular include the plural; words used in the plural include the singular. (f) Words used in the present tense include the future tense; words used in the future tense include the present tense. (g) Within the rules, sections are occasionally prefaced with "purpose" or "intent" statements [. 215-7 Each such statement is intended as an official statement of legislative finding or purpose. The "purpose" or “intent” statements are legislatively adopted, together with their accompanying rules text. They] that are intended [as a] to guide [to the administrator and shall be treated in the same manner as other aspects of legislative history. However, they] the implementation of the rules but are not binding standards. (h) In their interpretation and application, the provisions of the rules are considered minimal in nature. Whenever the provisions, standards, or requirements of the authority's rules of practice and procedure, chapter 219, and chapter 216 (Kalaeloa reserved housing rules), are [higher or] more restrictive, the [latter] more restrictive shall control. (i) [Whenever the executive director determines that the meaning or applicability of any requirement of the rules is subject to interpretation generally, or as applied to a specific case, the executive director may issue an official interpretation.] In administering this chapter, the executive director, when deemed necessary by the executive director, may render written interpretations to clarify or elaborate upon the meaning of specific provisions of this chapter for intent, clarity and applicability to a particular situation. (1) A written interpretation shall be signed by the executive director and include the following: (A) Identification of the section of this chapter in question; (B) A statement of the question; (C) A statement of interpretation; and (D) A statement of justification. (2) A written interpretation issued by the executive director shall be the basis for administering and enforcing the applicable section of this chapter. All written interpretations rendered pursuant to this chapter shall be public record and effective on the date signed by the executive director. 215-8 (3) The executive director may also [forward any] provide a preliminary interpretation of the meaning or applicability of any provision of the rules directly to the authority for [a] an authority determination at a public meeting[:]. [(1) The issuance of an interpretation shall include findings stating the basis for the interpretation. The basis for an interpretation may include but is not limited to technological changes or new industry standards. The issuance of an interpretation shall also include a finding documenting the consistency of the interpretation with the KMP;] (2) All interpretations shall be: (A) Written and shall quote the provisions of the rules being interpreted, and the applicability in the particular or general circumstances that caused the need for interpretations, and the determination; and (B) Distributed to the authority, executive director, and HCDA staff; (3) Any interpretation of the rules by the executive director may be appealed to the authority in compliance with section 15-215-86 (appeals); and (4) Any provision of the rules that is determined by the executive director to need refinement or revision will be corrected by amending the rules as soon as is practical. Until an amendment can occur, the executive director will maintain a complete record of all interpretations to the rules, indexed by the number of the subchapter, section or subsection that is the subject of the interpretation.] (j) If there is uncertainty about the location of any transect zone boundary shown on the regulating plan, the location of the boundary shall be determined by the executive director as follows: (1) Where a transect zone boundary approximately follows a lot line, alley, or street line, the lot line, street, or alley centerline 215-9 shall be construed as the transect zone boundary, as applicable; (2) If a transect zone boundary divides a lot and the boundary line location is not specified by distances printed on the regulating plan, the location of the boundary will be determined by using the scale appearing on the regulating plan; and (3) Where a public thoroughfare or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the lot that was formerly in the street or alley will be included within the transect zone of the adjoining lot on either side of the vacated or abandoned thoroughfare or alley. [Eff 10/27/12; am and comp ] (Auth: HRS §§206E-4, 206E-5, 206E-7) (Imp: HRS §§206E-4, 206E-5, 206E-7)