Expert Insight: Lance Luke Featured in Building Management Hawai'i (BMH)

"I am pleased to share my latest technical feature from the April 2026 issue of Building Management Hawai'i (BMH). While many think painting is a simple cosmetic task, it is actually a critical component of building envelope integrity. In this article, I discuss the mechanical and chemical attributes required for a professional-grade project—insights excerpted from my book, Painting: Primer to the Rest of the Story."

National Building Expert Lance Luke Launches 2026 Masterclass Series on Building Safety and Infrastructure Risks

Press Release Date 12-23-2025

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES, December 23, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- National Building Expert Lance Luke, CCC, CCI, CCPM, announced the launch of his comprehensive 2026 Masterclass Webinar Series, a year-long educational program aimed at improving building safety awareness, strengthening homeowner decision-making, and helping communities better prevent structural failures, reduce disaster impacts, and protect lives and property.

The series consists of 24 expert-led webinars, each focused on high-risk issues affecting homes, condominiums, and infrastructure across the United States, with several sessions drawing from real-world case studies in Hawaii and other regions. Topics include wildfire smoke health impacts, condo board maintenance duties, construction warranty claims, hidden defects in both new and older homes, hazardous building materials, infrastructure deterioration, and the growing need for predictive building maintenance.

Luke, a veteran construction engineer and expert witness with 45 years of inspection, construction management, and forensic analysis experience, developed the series to address recurring safety failures he has observed across thousands of inspections in both Hawaii and the mainland.

California Balcony Inspection Laws SB 326 and SB 721 Continue to Raise Compliance and Safety Questions

News provided by EIN Presswire Dec 17, 2025, 12:19 AM ET

An overview of how California’s SB 326 and SB 721 differ, which properties they apply to, and why understanding compliance responsibilities is critical.

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES, December 16, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- California’s balcony inspection laws, SB 326 and SB 721, continue to generate questions among condominium associations, apartment owners, and property managers as enforcement and compliance deadlines approach. The two laws, while addressing similar structural safety concerns, apply to different property types and impose distinct responsibilities.

According to Lance Luke, a national building expert with more than four decades of experience in construction, inspection, and building safety, confusion between the two statutes remains widespread.

“Both laws were created to address the same underlying risk—hidden structural deterioration in exterior elevated elements—but they operate under different legal frameworks,” Luke said. “Understanding which law applies to a specific property is essential, because the responsibilities and consequences for non-compliance are not the same.”

SB 326 applies to condominium associations governed under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. The law requires associations to inspect certain exterior elevated elements that are exposed to weather, elevated above ground level, and supported substantially by wood. Compliance responsibility rests with association boards, making the requirement closely tied to governance and fiduciary obligations.

Veteran Building Inspector Lance Luke Urges Global Renovation Fire Safety Reforms Following Hong Kong Tragedy

Published 2:16 PM GMT+8, December 11, 2025

A veteran construction engineer calls for international renovation fire safety protocols after the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in over 75 years.

“This was not an act of God—it was a preventable failure in renovation safety oversight.”— Lance Luke

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES, December 11, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- In the wake of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fire in over seven decades, construction and fire safety expert Lance Luke is calling for an international overhaul of fire safety protocols for high-rise buildings undergoing renovation. The fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court, which claimed over 150 lives, exposed vulnerabilities in renovation oversight, building design, and emergency preparedness.

Luke, a nationally recognized building inspector based in Hawaii with more than 40 years of experience, says the conditions that fueled the Hong Kong disaster are not unique.

Construction Management Inspection LLC Launches Ongoing Educational Masterclass Series and Expands Industry Publication Catalog

PRESS RELEASE Plentisoft Sep. 15, 2025, 03:57 PM

United States, September 15, 2025 -- Bi-monthly virtual sessions and new book titles target HOAs, legal professionals, and construction management personnel seeking building-related guidance

Construction Management Inspection LLC, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, announced today the continuation of its twice-monthly educational masterclass series, focused on buildings, condominium oversight, and construction-related topics. The series is led by the company’s principal, Dr. Lance Luke, and is part of a broader initiative to provide accessible industry knowledge to professionals and organizations involved in construction and property management.

Concrete Cancer: Building Expert Lance Luke Raises Awareness of ASR Threat

By:Press Release Distribution Service December 27, 2024 at 05:03 AM EST

Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), often called “concrete cancer" is a destructive and irreversible defect that can turn solid structures into costly liabilities. Lance Luke, a national building expert based in Hawaii, is urging awareness and action to address this potential risk.

Honolulu, United States, December 27, 2024 -- What Is Concrete Cancer (ASR)?

Concrete cancer, formally known as Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), occurs when silica in certain aggregates reacts with alkalis in cement in the presence of moisture. This chemical reaction produces an expansive gel that generates pressure within the concrete, leading to cracks and eventual structural failure. Over time, the damage compromises the integrity of affected structures.

“Concrete cancer spreads insidiously, much like its name suggests,” says Lance Luke, a national building expert with over 40 years of experience. “Poorly mixed concrete and moisture infiltration are the main culprits. If essential components like fly ash are missing from the mix, or if moisture seeps in, the risk of ASR increases exponentially.”

Structural Hazards Prompt Immediate Evacuation at Villa del Sol Condominium

By: Press Release Distribution Service December 06, 2024 at 04:18 AM EST

Honolulu, United States - December 6, 2024 —

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 5, 2024

Structural Safety Expert Highlights Importance of Regular Inspections Following Villa del Sol Evacuation

HONOLULU, HI—Following the discovery of severe structural damage at the Villa del Sol Condominium in Jensen Beach, Florida, renowned building safety expert and author Lance Luke emphasized the importance of routine inspections and proactive maintenance to ensure the safety of residents and the structural integrity of buildings.

Structural issues at Villa del Sol Condominium prompted the evacuation of residents after severe damage to load-bearing elements was discovered. Compromised concrete and corroded steel posed safety risks, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and emergency measures to ensure structural integrity and resident safety.

Aventura Tightens Building Safety After Commodore Plaza Fails Recertification

By: Press Release Distribution Service August 13, 2024 at 19:48 PM EDT

Honolulu, United States - August 13, 2024 —

Aventura, FL — In a significant development, the City of Aventura has escalated its building safety enforcement measures following the failure of Commodore Plaza to pass its 40-year recertification. This action comes after a Notice of Violation was formally issued to the condominium association on July 25, 2024, citing critical structural and safety non-compliance as per Miami-Dade County regulations.

Background: The failure was first identified during routine inspections mandated by Miami-Dade County's 40-year recertification process. This process, crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of aging buildings, highlighted several deficiencies at Commodore Plaza, located at 2700 NE 183rd St., Aventura, FL 33180. The inspection report noted problems including significant cracks and corrosion, which pose potential safety risks to residents and visitors.

Details of the Notice of Violation: The City's Building Division issued a stern Notice of Violation, outlining the specific failures and mandating immediate corrective actions. The notice underscores a 30-day compliance window, concluding on November 29, 2023, for the association to address the defects or face severe penalties, including possible liens on the property.

The City of Aventura is enforcing stricter building safety measures after Commodore Plaza failed its 40-year recertification due to structural issues. The city issued a Notice of Violation and is working with officials to ensure repairs, while expanding inspections and proposing stricter safety regulations.

Building Expert Advises on Kingfisher Inn’s Critical Repairs

By: Press Release Distribution Service June 28, 2024 at 20:58 PM EDT

Honolulu, United States - June 29, 2024 —

GARDEN CITY, SC — The Kingfisher Inn in Garden City, South Carolina, is undergoing urgent structural repairs following the discovery of severe issues that led to an immediate evacuation of the building. Building expert Lance Luke is tracking the necessary repairs, ensuring that the inn meets and exceeds current safety standards.

Initial Discovery and Response:

In late March 2024, an engineer performing a routine inspection at the Kingfisher Inn identified significant structural concerns. The inspection revealed that the foundation depth was only 40 feet, half of the recommended 80 feet for coastal buildings. This deficiency, coupled with the corrosive seaside environment, posed a serious risk to the building's stability.

Upon learning of these critical issues, the Kingfisher Inn management swiftly evacuated the building to prevent any potential harm to residents and guests. The immediate closure of the inn underscored the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of structural uncertainties.

Building expert Lance Luke is keeping track of urgent structural repairs at the Kingfisher Inn in South Carolina after an inspection revealed critical issues. The inn will remain closed through summer and fall for extensive repairs to ensure safety standards are met and exceeded.

Building Expert Lance Luke Releases In-Depth Analysis on RAAC in New Book

By: Press Release Distribution Service May 29, 2024 at 06:26 AM EDT

Honolulu, United States - May 29, 2024 —

Honolulu, Hawaii - [May 28, 2024]

National Building Expert and renowned author Lance Luke is proud to announce the release of his latest publication, "The Rise and Fall of RAAC—Structural Legacy and Lessons Learned." This compelling new book offers an in-depth exploration of the meteoric rise and subsequent challenges associated with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a material once heralded for its pioneering properties in the construction industry.

Drawing from decades of expertise in construction safety and building materials, Lance Luke delves into the historical, technical, and societal impacts of RAAC. From its initial development and widespread adoption post-World War II to the unfolding concerns over its durability and safety, the book provides a critical analysis aimed at professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction.

"The Rise and Fall of RAAC" not only traces the technical aspects of this building material but also addresses the broader implications of its use, including the challenges and responses from governments and the construction industry worldwide. Through detailed case studies and expert commentary, Lance Luke illustrates the complex life cycle of construction materials and the importance of sustainable and safe construction practices.

National Building Expert Lance Luke releases "The Rise and Fall of RAAC—Structural Legacy and Lessons Learned," an in-depth exploration of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. The book analyzes RAAC's history, challenges, and impact on the construction industry, offering critical insights for professionals and enthusiasts.

National Building Expert Calls for the Inspection of All Bridges in the World

By: Press Release Distribution Service April 10, 2024 at 08:09 AM EDT

Honolulu, United States - April 10, 2024 —

Honolulu, HI - [April 2, 2024] - In response to the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in tragic loss and sparked worldwide concern, Lance Luke, a leading construction safety expert with over four decades of industry experience, is spearheading a pioneering initiative aimed at reinforcing global bridge safety protocols.

The recent disaster, which saw a significant portion of the bridge plunge into the Patapsco River following a collision with the cargo ship Dali, has underscored the critical need for urgent and comprehensive evaluations of bridge safety. The incident, as detailed by Lucy Barnard, Senior Web Editor, in her recent exposition, highlights the vulnerability of aging infrastructure to unforeseen hazards and the essential role of engineering in mitigating such risks.

Lance Luke calls for global bridge inspections in response to Baltimore's tragic collapse. Urging immediate action, he emphasizes the need for standardized safety checks and public awareness to prevent future infrastructure failures and ensure community safety worldwide.

National Building Expert Urges Inspections After Waikiki Hotel Railing Collapse

Feb 21, 2024

Lance Luke, a building safety expert, emphasizes the need for routine inspections and maintenance to prevent structural failures, like the recent hotel railing collapse. He advocates for increased awareness and proactive measures to ensure building integrity and safety.

Honolulu, United States - February 21, 2024 /PressCable/ —

In light of a recent incident involving the collapse of a hotel railing, Lance Luke, a renowned national building expert, emphasized the critical need for regular building inspections and increased awareness among hotel guests, and apartment and condo building residents regarding potential safety hazards. Luke's insights were shared during several news interviews, shedding light on the often-overlooked dangers posed by environmental conditions to building structures.

Lance Luke, with over four decades of experience in the construction industry, highlighted the phenomenon of spalling, a condition where water ingress leads to the expansion and rusting of reinforcing steel (rebar) within concrete structures, ultimately causing cracks and potential collapse. This condition, exacerbated by environmental factors such as humidity, salt air, and rainfall, particularly affects coastal and island locations where buildings are frequently exposed to harsh marine environments.

NATIONAL BUILDING EXPERT SCHEDULES BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION WEBINARS FOR 2021

By: Press Release Distribution Service December 27, 2020 at 01:48 AM EST

Honolulu, United States - December 27, 2020 /PressCable/ —

National Building Expert Lance Luke announced his Ask the Building Expert webinar series. Hot topics covered in his one hour webinar Master-Class include the following lineup: Building Code & Permits, Construction Defects, Senior Safety, Building Safety, Concrete Spalling Repair, Construction Warranties, Construction Management, Cast Iron Drain Piping, Contractor Bidding, Railing Safety Issues, Defective Building Materials, Roofing, Painting, Waterproofing, Window Safety, OSHA Violations, Condo Reserve Studies, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Preventive Maintenance, Premises Liability, Asphalt Reconstruction, Building Envelope, Special Inspections, Developer Transition, Flooring & Sound Transmission, HOA Design Review and more.

https://askbuildingexpert.now.site

Mr. Luke is a sought-after national speaker and has written numerous articles on various building and construction industry topics. His articles have been published in over 750 national and international media outlets.

He has been interviewed on shows such as Times Square Today and Hollywood Live. He is also a Two-Time Best-Selling Author.

In a recent interview, he was asked, “Why are you producing your webinar series?”

National Building Expert Lance Luke announced his Ask the Building Expert webinar series. Lance Luke speaks about building and construction matters, including building safety and COVID-19 issues.

Building Expert Claims “Clogged Pipes Due To Toilet Paper Shortage”

By: Press Release Distribution Service April 08, 2020 at 22:06 PM EDT

Honolulu, United States - April 8, 2020 /PressCable/ —

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke www.lanceluke.com has provided facts surrounding the recent high number of calls to plumbers due to clogged pipes.

The following are excerpts taken from his recent presentation.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a buying panic for paper goods that have caused toilet paper to be out of supply due to hoarding.

The shortage of toilet paper has caused people to use substitute products such as napkins, paper towels, and wipes, which are not a substitute for toilet paper from a plumbing pipe perspective.

Let’s discuss briefly the anatomy of a toilet drain pipe. When a toilet is flushed, the water and debris flow down a drain pipe that is generally about four inches in diameter. The type of drain pipe material commonly used in older homes and buildings is cast iron. There are other types of drain pipe material in use, such as clay, ABS, and PVC, but in this discussion, we are talking about cast iron piping. Cast iron corrodes from the insides of the pipe and corrosion may lead to cracks, bumps, ridges where debris flushed down the toilet can get caught. Imagine taking a four-inch piece of pipe and stuffing down crumbled pieces of paper towels. You will soon see that the pipe is going to get filled up in a very short order.

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke www.lanceluke.com has provided facts surrounding the recent high number of calls to plumbers due to clogged pipes.

The National Building Expert Urges All Fifty States To Lockdown Immediately

Apr 2, 2020

Honolulu, United States - April 2, 2020 /PressCable/ —

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke states that the CORVID-19 Community Spread has gotten out of control. Excerpts from his recent interview follow.

The CDC has reported that less than half of the fifty states are in lockdown mode, and over half of the States are not under lockdown control.

The Governors of each and every State need to take immediate action to issue a lockdown and shutdown order.

The COVID-19 is far from being contained, and the US has the highest population in the world now affected. As of the date of this writing, the CDC has reported US cases over 122,000 people and climbing, with over 2100 deaths. There have been COVID-19 cases in all 50 states and, additionally, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, and the US Virgin Islands.

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke states that the COVID-19 Community Spread has gotten out of control. Excerpts from his recent interview follow.

COVID-19 IMPACTS BUILDING SAFETY WITH FAULTY HVAC SYSTEMS & LEAKING PLUMBING

By: Press Release Distribution Service March 28, 2020 at 11:42 AM EDT

Honolulu, United States - March 28, 2020 /PressCable/ —

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke provides important building safety information regarding COVID-19

Recent reports have indicated that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) is contacted through the following methods:

1. Direct human contact (host may be known)

2. Indirect human contact (host may be known)

3. Coming into contact with objects that contains the virus. (host unknown)

Community spread is believed to be caused by humans coming into contact with objects carrying the virus, such as a doorknob or shopping cart handle.

National Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke provides important building safety information regarding COVID-19. Wash hands often with soap and water. Practice social distancing.

CORONAVIRUS NOTICE: THE NATIONAL BUILDING EXPERT GIVES IMPORTANT PREVENTION TIPS

By: Press Release Distribution Service March 01, 2020 at 21:04 PM EST

Honolulu, United States - March 1, 2020 /PressCable/ —

Nation Building Expert Dr. Lance Luke shares important tips when entering public or private building facilities. It is important to be aware of surroundings while visiting offices, shopping centers, and other places of business and recreation.

Dr. Luke says to “be aware when touching railing, door handles and door knobs, light switches, shopping cart handles, countertops, chairs, tables, etc. Viral contamination occurs quickly”. To prevent catching a virus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov recommends hand washing after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food. Dr. Luke recommends using a hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes as often as possible.

The CDC reports that there is high flu activity currently happening across the country. As of January 2020, the CDC estimates that so far this flu season, there have been at least 13 million flu-related illnesses, and 120,000 hospitalizations.

Even if the US economy suffers due to the virus, the personal health and safety of you and your family should not. Keep safe wherever you go. Pay special attention to your surroundings where you work and play.

CORONAVIRUS NOTICE: THE NATIONAL BUILDING EXPERT GIVES IMPORTANT PREVENTION TIPS

July 18, 2017

Honolulu, United States - July 18, 2017 /PressCable/ —

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17, 2017

A high-rise fire in Hawaii kills three people on July 14, 2017, and is deemed to be the worst high- rise building fire in Hawaii. The building is a 36 story reinforced concrete building with 572 units, and was built in 1971.

The recent fire at a high rise condominium building Marco Polo in Hawaii should be a wake-up call to all property managers, condo Boards and owners of commercial property throughout the nation.

Thousands of apartment buildings and condo buildings that were built in the 1960’s and 1970’s throughout the United States do not have fire sprinkler systems. Each US jurisdiction should pass an ordinance requiring fire sprinklers on older buildings exempt due to age and cutoff period

Waikiki hotel incident raises railing safety concerns

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A frightening situation in Waikiki Tuesday afternoon after a 5th floor balcony railing at the Moana Surfrider Hotel came crashing down onto the beach.

Luckily, no one was on the balcony when it happened and no one was seriously hurt below, but it’s raising concerns. A building expert said it may be a much larger probl|em.

| ‘It was happening in slow motion,’ Waikiki railing falls off balcony |

National building expert Lance Luke was at the scene Tuesday afternoon and said it’s unsettling because it’s likely a much bigger problem.

“I think water is getting through on the top tile and penetrating to the concrete because that leaning edge which is ahead of the balcony, I could see horizontal rebar that was pretty corroded,” Luke explained. “I’m pretty sure that this is not the only unit like that. I think it’s a global thing. I’m looking the whole building.”

“Knowing that it fell without even any pressure being applied to it. What does that mean really?” KHON asked.

“That’s even scarier,” Lance replied. “Because no human forces are pushing the railing and it just collapses on its own. That means that the anchor points of that wall connected to the lanai slab is very weak. All those hotel units that have similar walls– and I’m like all those–could come down too.”

He said serious action needs to be taken. All the guests need to be notified and the hotel needs to block off the balconies until they’re inspected and deemed structurally sound.

“Not just putting caution tape, but maybe 2 X 4 and make a little structure. So no one can even go close to the railing,” he said.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In a statement, the City’s department of planning and permitting said:

The maintenance of private high-rise buildings is the responsibility of the building’s owner or management firm. However, if we become aware that a building may be unsafe, we will send an inspector to investigate. If we determine that a building is unsafe, the Building Code allows the DPP to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of the building’s residents. We may also ask the owner or management firm to provide a structural assessment report of the building for our review.

“DPP could theoretically come down and shut the hotel down,” Luke said.

Doing the necessary inspections could take a long time and fixing any structural issues would be extremely expensive.

“It’s going to be millions of dollars to repair. I can tell already but it needs to be done.”

by: Jenn Boneza

Posted: Jan 30, 2024 / 08:55 PM HST | Updated: Feb 1, 2024 / 09:11 AM HST

Link to the source article: Waikiki hotel incident raises railing safety concern

Waikiki hotel incident raises railing safety concerns

Building expert says the rusting of the railing probably started five to eight years ago.​​​​​​​

HONOLULU (Island News) -- We have a follow up on yesterday's hotel-railing collapse from a fifth-floor hotel room at the Moana Surfrider. Amazingly, it did not fall on anyone, but debris hit a couple people nearby causing minor injuries, according to Emergency Medical Services and the Honolulu Fire Department.

An expert in building safety tells Island News this is probably just one symptom of a much larger problem for the hotel.

Lance Luke, owner of Construction Management Inspection, says, "I'm kind of used to seeing these kind of situations. In my opinion, it's not an isolated situation with only that one [railing]. It's probably a condition at all the other units in the hotel which should be investigated and checked."

Luke says this probably started rusting five to eight years ago.

"I'm pretty sure the attachment of the metal anchors corroded and causes the wall to fall down," he guesses, adding that it's good policy for any building with railings to have them professionally checked on a regular basis.​​​​​​​

Luke thinks this hotel now needs to test all the railings - an expensive endeavor. He estimates the cost to replace just one railing is $20,000 to $30,000.

"It's not structurally sound and I'm pretty sure the other railings in that building have similar conditions," he says.

The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting on Wednesday says it's working with Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resorts, and will send an inspector out to the Moana Surfrider.

On Wednesday, it said, "The maintenance of private high-rise buildings is the responsibility of the building's owner or management firm. However, if we become aware that a building may be unsafe, we will send an inspector to investigate. If we determine a building is unsafe, the Building Code allows the DPP to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of the building's residents."

Kyo-Ya said after the incident on Tuesday, "We are looking into an incident that occurred involving a balcony in our tower wing. We take this matter very seriously. The safety and security of our guests and employees is our top priority." It did not respond to a request for an update on Wednesday.

Luke says he never would have known by just looking at it - if the rail hadn't fallen - that there was a structural issue. His advice to anyone standing by a railing is to be on the safe side and don't lean on it.​​​​​​​

In the meantime, this has become a story picked up by some media across the country including Forbes and TV stations in Alabama and Mississippi.

It's a little scary for these visitors from Minnesota who we met on the beach near the scene. Cathy Arriola and Lisa Argir decided, after seeing this, to not lean on their hotel railing when they return to their rooms.

They have been keeping up with the local news on their vacation and after this, plus Tuesday's barricade at Waikiki Sunset Hotel and last Tuesday's acid injury, the women are a little concerned.

"You don't want this becoming the norm. It may make people question if this is a place to go to that's safe," Argir cautions.

Arriola says if these three events happened before she booked the vacation here, "I'd have to think about" wanting to come to Hawaii.

Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Association president and CEO Mufi Hannemann says, "The safety of our guests, local residents, and hotel associates is our visitor industry's number one priority. We encourage and know that our HLTA hotel owners, operators, and managers are vigilant in implementing necessary protocols to address any potential incidents.

"Hawai'i has long held an exemplary reputation as a safe destination, and we want to maintain that. We are confident that our hotel members consistently prioritize the assessment of their structures' safety.

"We feel fortunate that no injuries occurred during the recent incident, and we are aware that the hotel is promptly taking action to address the situation."

Island News was not able to reach Hawaii Tourism Authority for comment on this on Wednesday.

By: Diane Ako​​​​​​​

Jan 31, 2024 Updated Jan 31, 2024

Link to the source article: Waikiki railing collapse likely a bigger problem for hotel

National Building Expert Urges Inspections After Waikiki Hotel Railing Collapse

In light of a recent incident involving the collapse of a hotel railing, Lance Luke, a renowned national building expert, emphasized the critical need for regular building inspections and increased awareness among hotel guests, and apartment and condo building residents regarding potential safety hazards. Luke's insights were shared during several news interviews, shedding light on the often-overlooked dangers posed by environmental conditions to building structures.
Lance Luke, with over four decades of experience in the construction industry, highlighted the phenomenon of spalling, a condition where water ingress leads to the expansion and rusting of reinforcing steel (rebar) within concrete structures, ultimately causing cracks and potential collapse. This condition, exacerbated by environmental factors such as humidity, salt air, and rainfall, particularly affects coastal and island locations where buildings are frequently exposed to harsh marine environments.

The discussion followed an incident where a section of railing at a hotel situated on the beachfront collapsed, thankfully without resulting in injuries or fatalities. This event served as a stark reminder of the latent risks present in aging structures exposed to corrosive elements. Luke pointed out that the process of spalling and corrosion does not occur overnight but is the result of years of neglect, with estimates suggesting a timeline of ten to fifteen years for such deterioration to become critical.

Luke, the principal consultant at Construction Management Inspection, LLC, stressed the importance of preventive maintenance and regular inspections to identify early signs of wear and tear. He noted that while many buildings lack a comprehensive inspection regimen, it is imperative for property managers and owners to implement routine checks for indicators of potential structural failure, such as peeling and bubbling paint, rust stains, and cracks on concrete at the base of railing posts.

Moreover, Luke called for the engagement of independent structural engineering firms for thorough investigations at regular intervals, advocating for a shift towards proactive rather than reactive maintenance strategies. He underscored the necessity of destructive and load testing in certain cases to assess the integrity of critical structural components, albeit acknowledging the associated costs and logistical challenges, particularly in high-rise buildings.

The conversation also touched upon the financial implications of necessary repairs and safety measures, with Luke indicating that the costs could run into millions of dollars. However, he argued that such expenditures are justified when considering the alternative risks to human life and property.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

To further educate the public and industry professionals, Luke mentioned his initiative of conducting free webinars through his platform, "Ask the Building Expert." These sessions aim to raise awareness about building safety, maintenance best practices, and the latest industry standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, Lance Luke's insights from the interview highlight the critical importance of vigilance, regular inspections, and maintenance to safeguard the safety and integrity of buildings. As the industry progresses, a blend of expert knowledge, public awareness, and regulatory oversight will be essential in preventing future tragedies and maintaining the structural health of the built environment.

For more information, visit https://askbuildingexpert.now.site/ to access resources, webinar schedules, and expert advice on building safety and maintenance.

Contact Info:

Name: Lance Luke

Email: lanceluke@hawaiibuildingexpert.com

Organization: Construction Management Inspection LLC

Address: 820 W. Hind Drive, Suite 240275, Honolulu, HI 96824

Phone: (808)-422-2132

Website: https://railingexpert.now.site/

Contact Info:
Name: Lance Luke
Email: Send Email
Organization: Construction Management Inspection LLC
Address: 820 West Hind Drive Suite 240275, Honolulu, HI 96824, United States
Phone: +1-808-754-3425
Website: http://building.expert

Source: PressCable

Link of the article: National Building Expert Urges Inspections After Waikiki Hotel Railing Collapse

Source URL: https://www.kitv.com/news/local/waikiki-railing-collapse-likely-a-bigger-problem-for-hotel/article_ca888da2-c0ad-11ee-aedb-aff9672991a7.html

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZW2UkBATmw&t=4s​​​​​​​

Lance Luke, a building safety expert, emphasizes the need for routine inspections and maintenance to prevent structural failures, like the recent hotel railing collapse. He advocates for increased awareness and proactive measures to ensure building integrity and safety.

Honolulu, United States - February 21, 2024 —

Railing falls off popular Hawaii hotel, lands on Waikiki beach

On Jan. 30, around 1 p.m., a railing fell off a hotel balcony on the fifth floor at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki, Hawaii, nearly missing a passerby before it fell onto the beach.

“When I went to the bedroom balcony and looked down, I saw where it landed, and I thought ‘Thank God’ because two feet either way it probably would have killed somebody,” a guest told Hawaii News Now.

The railing didn’t directly hit anyone, the Honolulu Fire Department told Hawaii News Now, but one person was treated for minor injuries by Ocean Safety, and “Another person suffered a minor injury while escaping the falling railing.” Two people refused transport to the hospital, Emergency Medical Services told Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu hotel caution-taped off a portion of the beach. It’s unclear what detached the railing. Lance Luke, a construction engineer, took photos of the fallen railing. He said corrosion was likely the problem.

“I could see horizontal rebar that was pretty corroded,” Luke told KHON2. “So I’m pretty sure that this is not the only unit like that.”

In a statement from the Moana Surfrider to Hawaii News Now, Dara Young, director of public relations for the Waikiki Collection, said the hotel is “looking into an incident that occurred involving a balcony in our Tower Wing. We take this matter very seriously.”

​​​​Waikiki Beach in Hawaii’s capital city is an extremely popular tourist attraction, generating 41% of the state’s tourism revenue in 2015.

​​​​​​​By: Olivia Harden

Jan 31, 2024​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Source: SFGate

Link of the article: Railing falls off popular Hawaii hotel, lands on Waikiki beach

Check Your Building's Lanai Railings- STAT!

Last month there was a railing collapse at the Moana Surfrider Westin Resort on world-famous Waikiki Beach. A fifth-floor hotel room railing wall constructed of a solid concrete plank gave way and fell to the beach below. No one was on the lanai when it occurred and no one was hurt on the beach — but a woman on a lounge chair was nearly struck.

Upon inspection, I noticed that numerous anchor bolts that connected the railing wall to the balcony floor were corroded, and the floor tile and concrete topping delaminating from the concrete slab had bubbled paint on its underside. My initial thought was the floor tile grout was cracked, damaged or unsealed, causing water to penetrate into the concrete slab causing spalling. The waterproofing may have failed. The metal anchors securing the wall to the floor had severely corroded and provided no structural support at any anchor points.

This is a wake-up call to all building owners and managers to inspect and maintain railings. inspection programs should include apartment and condo structures, hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, etc. Every building owner and manager should mandate periodic inspections. Currently, there is no mandated inspection of buildings by the city, state, or federal government.

Spalling occurs when water penetrates unprotected concrete and causes corrosion of the reinforcing steel — rebar — embedded in the concrete. The corrosion of the rebar causes it to expand, ultimately causing cracks and potential collapse of the affected area. Humidity, salt air, rainfall, trade winds and sun contribute to spalling, which in turn affect buildings in coastal lo cations and exposed to harsh marine environments.

The hotel railing collapse serves as a stark reminder of the latent risks present in aging structures exposed to corrosive elements. Corrosion and spalling is the result of years of neglect and substandard and/or no repair and maintenance. Costs to repair can reach
millions of dollars.​​​​​​​

A comprehensive building inspection program should be implemented to spot potential structural failures.

Red flags include signs of peeling or bubbling paint, rust stains and cracks on concrete surfaces, pieces of concrete falling off a building, or cracks and/or corrosion at railing post bases.

Best practices include thorough inspections at regular intervals and repairs of observed substandard conditions. It is better to be proactive rather than reactive. The next step would be destructive testing after a visual spalling-condition survey.

In 2016, a third-floor railing collapsed at Ala Moana Shopping Center, resulting in one person killed and another seriously injured. After the incident, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting issued a Notice of Violation for metal railing
corrosion and concrete spalling. Required repairs cost the center more than $4 million.

This tragic incident prompted Honolulu City Council to propose legislation for mandatory structural building inspections. Unfortunately, the legislation did not pass. Heavy pushback came from building owners, property managers and condo boards who feared extra costs.

Once again, City Council is currently discussing a mandatory building inspection program.

Let’s not forget the Surfside, Fla., condominium building collapse in 2021 that killed 98 people. Surfside, a Miami suburb, required only a 40-year building recertification program then. This did not make any sense due to numerous spalling conditions that are expected to occur at the 15- to 20-year life cycle of a building. In Hawai‘i, there is no mandated governmental building inspection program at all.

All building owners and property managers should be proactive and start inspection programs now.

Apartment buildings, low- and high-rise condominiums, hotels, shopping centers, office buildings, etc., all
need to be inspected.

Lance Luke owns Construction Management Inspection LLC.

lanceluke@hawaiibuildingexpert.com,
hawaiibuildingexpert.com, railingexpert.now.site