Bill > HB526

This bill requires each county in Hawaii (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii) to establish and fill dedicated staff positions specifically for processing permit applications related to state projects. If counties cannot immediately fill these positions, they are allowed to contract with third-party services to handle the permit processing. The bill defines a "state project" broadly as any activity directly undertaken by the state or supported through state funding, including appropriations, contracts, grants, or loans. The bill also includes an appropriation of funds (specific amounts are not specified in the provided text) to help counties establish these dedicated permit processing positions, with allocations designated for each county. The new requirement and funding will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to streamline and potentially expedite the permit review process for state-related projects by creating specialized staff positions within county permitting agencies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=526&year=2026