Bill > SB28

This bill aims to address housing development delays in Hawaii by modifying the voting requirements for the state Land Use Commission (LUC). Currently, six out of nine commissioners must approve a boundary amendment, which can create significant obstacles to development. The bill changes this requirement to allow a simple majority of commission members present and qualified to vote to approve boundary amendments. The legislative findings highlight that housing approval processes in Hawaii take substantially longer than the national average, with some developments taking up to ten years to navigate regulatory approvals. These delays contribute to increased housing costs, with median home prices on Oahu rising from $637,000 in 2012 to $1,100,000 in 2022. By lowering the voting threshold, the bill seeks to expedite the land use approval process and help address the state's housing affordability and development challenges. The bill specifies that the new voting rules will apply to future proceedings and does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that began before its effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=28&year=2025