A formal interpretation has been processed on the 1999 edition of NFPA 13, clarifying that small hose connections are required for sprinkler systems utilizing ESFR and large drop sprinklers.  The wording of the FI is as follows:

Question: Does the small hose connection required by 7-3.1.1 and 7-4.1.6 apply when the facility is protected by Large Drop or ESFR sprinklers?

Answer: Yes

The FI was needed due to the fact that the hose connection requirements are contained in the sections of Chapter 7 on discharge criteria that were brought into NFPA 13 from the NFPA 231 and 231C standards, as opposed to the special sections dealing with ESFR and large drop sprinklers.  These same sections clarify that hose connections are not required for storage of Class I-IV commodities up to 12 ft (3.7) in height.