Bill > HB738

This bill creates a streamlined process for reviewing and approving development projects near transit stations that have a low risk of affecting historic properties, with the goal of expediting housing development while still protecting cultural resources. The bill empowers county governments and other lead agencies to make initial determinations about a project's potential impact on historic sites, and establishes a 90-day (or 30-day for projects with no expected historic impact) review period for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to provide written concurrence. Once the department provides concurrence and agrees on mitigation measures, the project can proceed without further review unless there are significant changes to the project's scope or new historic sites are discovered. The bill requires counties to identify specific parcels near mass transit stations by January 1, 2026, and mandates that the department classify these parcels into risk categories based on their potential to impact historic properties. Projects on parcels classified in the lower two risk levels can be approved more quickly, provided they are majority residential and reach substantial construction by June 30, 2036. The legislation aims to balance the urgent need for housing development with the state's commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=738&year=2026