Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, In Consultation With The State Historic Preservation Division And The Island Burial Councils, To Create An Expedited Process To Contract The Review Of Proposed Affordable Housing Projects To Third-party Consultants.
The resolution aims to change how housing projects are reviewed, particularly those on historic properties or under scrutiny by preservation councils. It seeks to allow third parties to conduct essential reviews if DLNR fails to provide timely responses, defined here as within a sixty-day timeframe. This measure is intended to expedite the development of affordable housing and alleviate some of the pressures created by the pandemic's economic fallout, potentially leading to increased housing availability for those in need.
Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR178 requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to create an expedited process for the review of proposed affordable housing projects with the involvement of third-party consultants. This initiative comes in response to the economic difficulties faced by Hawaii due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the housing situation, leaving many residents either unemployed or struggling to afford their homes. The bill recognizes the urgency in addressing the growing housing crisis and suggests a streamlined process to facilitate quicker solutions to affordable housing development.
Overall, there appears to be a supportive sentiment towards this resolution as it seeks to address a significant and pressing issue: the affordable housing crisis. Many view the legislation as a proactive step in mitigating the adverse socioeconomic impacts prolonged by the pandemic. However, the involvement of third-party consultants raises questions regarding oversight and the preservation of historic properties, indicating some concerns among conservationists and local councils.
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance between development and historic preservation. While this expedited process aims to relieve the pressures on housing, critics may argue it could lead to inadequate consideration of historic preservation standards, undermining cultural heritage. The resolution calls for consultations with the Island Burial Councils, which beckons further deliberation about how to safeguard historical and cultural interests while simultaneously pursuing necessary housing developments.