Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR61

Introduced
3/9/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/31/22  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

Impact

The proposed change is positioned to have a substantial impact on local laws governing energy projects. By shifting the approval for wind machines from minor to major permits, the resolution aims to ensure that affected communities are given a platform to express their opinions on potential sources of noise pollution and environmental disruption associated with wind energy infrastructure. It also stipulates that waivers exempting compliance from Hawaii's environmental impact statement law for these machines should be prohibited, further safeguarding community interests.

Summary

HCR61 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting, the Mayor, and the Honolulu City Council to enhance public involvement in the construction of wind machines rated up to one hundred kilowatts. Currently, the approval process for these machines allows for limited community engagement through minor conditional use permits, which can lead to projects proceeding without substantial local input. This resolution seeks to amend existing regulations to require a major conditional use permit for such wind machines, significantly increasing the public's ability to voice concerns and influence decisions before construction begins.

Contention

Arguments surrounding HCR61 touch on important public policy considerations. Proponents emphasize that increasing public input will lead to better outcomes and foster community trust in local governance compared to a status quo that may overlook local sentiments. Critics, however, may contend that this could slow down the deployment of renewable energy resources at a critical time when such initiatives are necessary for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The balance between swift renewable energy implementation and thorough community engagement remains a pivotal point of interest as this resolution progresses.

Companion Bills

HI SCR36

Same As Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI HR55

Same As Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR116

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Amend The Revised Ordinances Of Honolulu, As Proposed In A Bill By The Honolulu Youth Commission, That Creates A Safe Parking Pilot Program.

HI HR97

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Amend The Revised Ordinances Of Honolulu, As Proposed In A Bill By The Honolulu Youth Commission, That Creates A Safe Parking Pilot Program.

HI HCR223

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Convene A Task Force To Study Permitted Events In Urban Honolulu.

HI HCR62

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI HR203

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Convene A Task Force To Study Permitted Events In Urban Honolulu.

HI SCR110

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI SR92

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI HCR59

Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Work With The Honolulu Police Department To Increase Enforcement Efforts Against Illegal Electric Bicycles And Dirt Bike Motorcycles To Make Sidewalks And Public Roadways Safer.

HI HCR15

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish A New Satellite City Hall Office In Mililani To Improve Access To Government Services.

HI HCR60

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Plan And Implement Options For Alternative Ingress And Egress Routes In Pacific Palisades.

Similar Bills

HI SCR36

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI HR55

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI SR31

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI HB1970

Relating To Energy.

HI SB1181

Relating To Energy.

HI HB329

Relating To Energy.

HI SB1090

Relating To Energy.

HI HB243

Relating To Energy.