Bill > SB73

This bill requires each county permitting agency in Hawaii (specifically the planning departments of Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu) to create and fill dedicated staff positions exclusively for processing permit applications related to state projects. The bill defines a "state project" broadly as any activity directly undertaken by the State or its political subdivisions, or supported through state funding such as appropriations, contracts, grants, or loans. To implement this requirement, the bill appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues to each county to help them establish these dedicated permit processing positions, with funds allocated to Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties. The purpose appears to be streamlining and potentially expediting permit processes for state-related projects by ensuring that specific staff are assigned to handle these applications. The bill is set to take effect on May 13, 2040, which provides a significant lead time for counties to prepare and implement the new staffing requirements.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=73&year=2025