Bill > SB511

This bill modifies Hawaii's housing development laws to provide more streamlined processes for housing projects developed by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). The bill clarifies that HHFDC can modify housing projects only to the extent necessary to address minimum health and safety standards, and adds new procedural requirements for project approval. Specifically, the bill mandates that HHFDC or a county must accept applications for housing development exemptions within 30 days and process those applications within 120 days before final approval by a county legislative body. The bill also allows HHFDC to make recommendations to legislative bodies regarding project certification and maps. The legislation applies to housing projects that either meet certain consistency and safety conditions or are 100% dedicated to qualified residents with income requirements matching state standards. These provisions are designed to expedite affordable housing development by reducing bureaucratic barriers and providing more clarity in the approval process. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, which appears to be a placeholder date typical in draft legislation.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=511&year=2026