Bill > SR171

This Resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) and the Island Burial Councils, to hire outside consultants to review proposed affordable housing projects. This action is being taken to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis, which has been worsened by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including job losses, increased housing costs, and inflation. The resolution specifies that if the DLNR cannot provide a decision on a project within sixty days, they should hire a third-party consultant, who must be pre-approved by the relevant Island Burial Council and meet specific professional qualifications set by the SHPD. These consultants will have thirty days to provide their recommendations to the DLNR, which will then report its findings and any legislative proposals to the Legislature by early 2023.