Bill > SB1170

This bill introduces several provisions to expedite the redevelopment of affordable multi-family rental housing that has been substantially destroyed by natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes. The bill authorizes county planning directors to issue special management area use permits for redeveloping such housing, with the requirement that these permits exclude properties on the shoreline or impacted by coastal erosion. For experimental and demonstration housing projects that have been destroyed, the bill allows counties to amend project plans to incorporate modern building practices while maintaining principles of community, culture, and safety. The legislation also requires county planning departments to prioritize approving permits for redeveloping permanent affordable multi-family rental housing and provides an exemption from environmental impact statement requirements for historically registered properties undergoing such redevelopment. Importantly, projects can continue their rebuilding process even if the original emergency proclamation has expired, provided they submitted a complete permit application during the emergency relief period. The goal of this bill is to streamline and facilitate the rapid reconstruction of affordable housing in areas that have suffered significant damage from major natural disasters, ensuring that communities can quickly recover and maintain their housing infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1170&year=2025