Bill > HB284

This bill addresses housing permit delays in Hawaii by establishing a "shot clock" mechanism for building permit approvals. The bill requires counties to issue building permits for single-family and multi-family housing projects within 60 days if the application is stamped and certified by a licensed engineer and architect who confirms compliance with building codes. If the county does not approve or reject the permit within 60 days, the permit is automatically deemed approved. To be considered complete, permit applications must include documentation demonstrating no potential impact on historic properties, archaeological resources, or burial sites, and must not encroach on Special Flood Hazard Areas (or have received appropriate floodplain management permits). The bill aims to reduce Hawaii's notoriously long permit processing times, which a University of Hawaii study found are three times longer than in other states, by providing more certainty and predictability in the building permit process. Counties retain the ability to ensure projects comply with land use, setback, height, and site development requirements, but cannot arbitrarily delay permit issuance. The legislation is intended to help increase housing supply and potentially reduce housing costs by streamlining the permit approval process.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=284&year=2026