Bill > HB527

This bill amends Section 201H-38 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to limit the power of county legislative bodies when reviewing housing development projects proposed by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). Specifically, the bill prohibits county legislative bodies from making any modifications to housing development proposals that would increase the project's cost. Currently, counties can approve, modify, or disapprove housing projects, but this new provision would restrict their ability to make cost-increasing changes. The bill maintains the existing 45-day review period for legislative bodies, during which they must approve, modify, or disapprove the project, with automatic approval occurring if no action is taken by the 46th day. The change is intended to streamline the housing development approval process and potentially reduce barriers to creating new housing by preventing local legislative bodies from adding potentially expensive requirements to housing projects. The bill would apply to housing projects developed by the HHFDC or with an eligible developer, which are already exempt from various standard planning, zoning, and construction regulations under certain conditions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=527&year=2026