Bill > HB541

This bill addresses urban development and land use requirements specifically for counties with a population less than 500,000, introducing several key provisions. First, the bill gives the county land use director administrative authority to approve or deny subdivision applications, with certain exceptions for environmentally sensitive or historically significant areas. Second, it requires counties to adopt ordinances allowing at least two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residentially zoned lots, with specific guidelines about placement near transit stations and urban areas. The bill also modifies how school impact fees are calculated, now considering factors like square footage and existing structure conversion, and specifically applies this to smaller counties. Additionally, the legislation prohibits private covenants recorded after May 28, 2024, from restricting the number of ADUs or long-term rentals on residentially zoned lots in these counties. If counties do not adopt compliant ordinances by December 31, 2026, they cannot deny permit applications for up to two ADUs based on unit count, though they may still reject applications for infrastructure or design reasons. The provisions aim to increase housing flexibility and density in smaller Hawaiian counties by streamlining development processes and reducing restrictive covenants.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=541&year=2026