Public Policies & Positions
As the local governing body for AIA members on Oahu, Kauai and the island of Hawaii, the AIA Honolulu Board of Directors support and promote AIA public policies and serve as the governing body and official voice for all local AIA government affairs.
For more than 150 years, the members of the American Institute of Architects have worked to advance our quality of life through design. From designing the next generation of energy-saving buildings to making our communities healthier and more vibrant, from helping neighborhoods rebuild after disasters to exporting American design know-how to the rest of the world, architects turn dreams and aspirations into reality.
Public Policies
Public Policies are AIA statements of belief to policy-makers, the public, and the construction industry on issues of public policy affecting the membership, the profession of architecture, or The American Institute of Architects.
- Directory of AIA Hawaii's Public Policies (PDF), re-affirmed by the Hawaii State Council Board of Directors October 16, 2024.
- Directory of AIA National's Public Policies (Web).
Anti-Trust Compliance
It is the practice of the American Institute of Architects and its members to comply strictly with all laws, including federal and state antitrust laws, that apply to AIA operations and activities. Compliance with the letter and spirit of the antitrust laws is an important goal of the AIA, and is essential to maintaining the Institute's reputation for the highest standards of ethical conduct.
AIA 2030 Commitment
The AIA 2030 Commitment is a challenge set forth by the AIA to its member firms to take a leadership role in reducing the energy consumption and greenhouse gas creation in the buildings we design and operate.
The topic of energy performance has begun to move to the front of all decisions we make—both how much energy is used by the firm in its daily business processes, as well as energy performance of the projects designed within the firm. This initiative brings into focus each of these topics and acknowledges their importance.
To view 2030 Commitment Resources, click here (Web).
AIA Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
The preamble to the AIA's Code of Ethics describes the principles upon which the Code of Ethics is based and includes a brief summary of the document. It provides that members of the American Institute of Architects are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence. This Code states guidelines for the conduct of members in fulfilling those obligations. The Code is arranged in three tiers of statements: Canons, Ethical Standards, and Rules of Conduct:
Canons are broad principles of conduct. Ethical Standards (E.S.) are more specific goals toward which members should aspire in professional performance and behavior. Rules of Conduct are mandatory; violation of a Rule is grounds for disciplinary action by the Institute. Rules of Conduct, in some instances, implement more than one Canon or Ethical Standard.
To read the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, click here (PDF).
Complaints against an AIA member would be handled by the National Ethics Council (NEC) (Web). The NEC enforces the Code of Ethics and consists of seven Members of the Institute who are appointed by the AIA's Board of Directors.
The Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) (Web) is a statewide agency of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. RICO enforces the regulatory standards of over forty professions, occupations, and programs by receiving, investigating, and prosecuting complaints.
Position Statements
Position Statements elaborate on AIA Public Policies as they relate to specific conditions or events.
- AIA Governmental and Community Resources (Web) including AIA Issue Briefs on State and Local levels.
Currently, AIA Honolulu is working on the following issues affecting our industry. Please review your Island Architect Weekly newsletter for updates on these issues.
- AIA Honolulu Task Force meets with DPP bimonthly to encourage a more streamlined permitting process.
- AIA Honolulu works with City Council on bills supporting climate resiliency on our islands.
- AIA Honolulu, ACECH, and GCA have regular meetings to establish good governance relations and review upcoming legislation.
Interested Citizen Architects
If you are an AIA Honolulu member and are interested in being involved with AIA local government affairs, please email contact@aiahonolulu.org.