According to Hawaii Building Code, what is the required design wind speed for hurricane-resistant construction in most coastal areas of Hawaii?
Correct Answer
D) 150 mph
Hawaii Building Code specifies 150 mph design wind speeds for most coastal areas to account for hurricane conditions and ensure structural integrity.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Hawaii State Building Code (based on IBC with Hawaii-specific amendments) requires a design wind speed of 150 mph for most coastal areas to account for hurricane exposure. Hawaii is in a high-wind zone due to its location in the central Pacific hurricane belt. The 150 mph value is the basic design wind speed (3-second gust, Risk Category II) used for structural design in the dominant coastal exposure zones.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 105 mph
105 mph is typical of inland or sheltered areas in lower wind exposure categories in mainland U.S. jurisdictions. It falls far below the requirements for Hawaii's hurricane-prone coastal zones and would result in dangerously under-designed structures.
Option B: 180 mph
180 mph is at the extreme upper end, applicable to the most exposed coastal zones in the highest-risk hurricane regions (such as parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast). While some specific Hawaii locations may have elevated design requirements, 180 mph is not the standard for most coastal areas statewide.
Option C: 130 mph
130 mph is a transitional wind speed used in moderate hurricane exposure zones. While closer to correct, it still falls short of Hawaii's 150 mph coastal requirement and would not meet code for structures in most Hawaiian coastal areas.
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