Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR160

Introduced

3/11/22

Refer

3/16/22

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Process For Affordable Housing Projects In The Commission On Water Resource Management To Address Hawaii's Housing Shortage.

Impact

The resolution impacts state laws by requesting the Commission on Water Resource Management to not only develop but also implement a permitting process that allows for the preauthorization of essential water infrastructure for affordable housing developments. It underscores the need to prioritize housing projects amidst regulatory complexities, which could potentially modify how other housing-related approvals interact with water resource management, thereby fostering a more integrated approach to housing and infrastructure planning in Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 160 (SCR160) addresses Hawaii's critical shortage of affordable housing by proposing a clear permitting process managed by the Commission on Water Resource Management for water infrastructure related to affordable housing projects. Recognizing the barriers to housing development, particularly the lack of adequate water infrastructure and complicated regulatory approval processes, SCR160 aims to streamline these processes to promote quicker housing production in the state. The resolution seeks to ensure that housing projects can move forward without unnecessary delays, particularly in rural areas where housing needs are most acute.

Contention

Notably, SCR160 proposes the establishment of a dedicated working group under the Commission on Water Resource Management which will focus on facilitating the permitting process for water infrastructure in affordable housing developments. This approach may encounter contention related to the implications for existing regulatory frameworks and the dynamics of local versus state authority in managing water resources. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding how this proposed change could prioritize certain projects at the potential expense of others or lead to a debate on local governance over state mandates in dealing with housing needs.

Companion Bills

HI SR152

Same As Requesting The Establishment Of A Process For Affordable Housing Projects In The Commission On Water Resource Management To Address Hawaii's Housing Shortage.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1573

Relating To Affordable Housing.

HI SCR226

Requesting The Governor, In Collaboration With The County Of Maui, To Provide A Clear Strategy For Addressing The Short And Long-term Housing Needs For Residents Displaced By The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.

HI SCR73

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SCR143

Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Develop A Comprehensive Plan To Address Student And Faculty Housing Facility Needs At The Manoa Campus.

HI SB3327

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

HI SCR217

Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.

HI SCR55

Urging The Hawaii Community Development Authority To Establish A Multiagency Working Group To Update The Maps, Tier Tables, And Inventories Of State Lands Suitable And Available For Affordable Housing Development.

HI HCR158

Requesting A Task Force To Be Established To Recommend Changes To The Structure And Administration Of The Commission On Water Resource Management To Improve Its Operations And Functions And Protect Its Mission.

HI SB766

Relating To Affordable Housing.

HI SCR43

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Monies In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.