Hawaii Senate Bill SR171

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Passed: 4/7/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources, In Consultation With The State Historic Preservation Division And The Island Burial Councils, To Contract The Review Of Proposed Affordable Housing Projects To Third-party Consultants.

Impact

If enacted, SR171 could significantly streamline the process for affordable housing developments in Hawaii by allowing third-party consultants to conduct necessary reviews. This approach may help speed up the construction of affordable housing projects that can address the state's growing housing crisis. However, it also raises potential concerns regarding the oversight of historical preservation, as it delegates crucial evaluations to external parties, which some may view as insufficiently rigorous.

Summary

Senate Resolution 171 (SR171) requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) of Hawaii to contract third-party consultants for reviewing proposed affordable housing projects. This resolution acknowledges the dire economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hawaii's economy and highlights the need for immediate actions to alleviate the ongoing affordable housing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic's effects. It emphasizes the importance of the DLNR cooperating with the State Historic Preservation Division and the Island Burial Councils to ensure that these reviews are thorough and considerate of both housing needs and historical factors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR171 appears to be pragmatic, aiming to balance the urgent need for affordable housing against the necessary oversight required to protect historical sites. Advocates of the bill are likely to argue that this measure is crucial in responding to Hawaii's challenging housing market, while opponents may caution against the reliance on third-party reviews, arguing that they may not uphold the same standards as state evaluations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise in discussions surrounding the measures for selecting qualified third-party consultants. Concerns could include the objectivity of the evaluation process and the qualifications required of the consultants to ensure that they meet professional and ethical standards. Additionally, there may be discussions about how this resolution impacts current laws regarding land use and historic preservation within the state.