Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR197

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
4/4/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Publish On Its Website All Decisions Regarding Waivers And Variances.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would improve public access to decisions made by the Department of Planning and Permitting, fostering greater accountability. Additionally, by making these decisions publicly available, the Department may enhance trust and mitigate allegations of favoritism or unfair practices, especially in light of recent scandals within the department. The regular release of such information would also provide the community with insights into how exceptions to zoning laws are granted, aligning with the principles of good governance.

Summary

Senate Resolution 197 requests the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to publish all decisions related to waivers and variances on its website. The resolution's intent is to enhance transparency regarding the director’s decisions, which have the potential to waive strict application of building and land use standards. This measure is driven by public concerns over the opacity of granted waivers and variances, particularly given past legal disputes involving the department.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR197 appears to be supportive, as it focuses on promoting transparency and public access to important governmental decisions. Stakeholders, including community members and advocates for open government, have expressed that increased visibility into the decision-making processes will allow for greater civic engagement. Conversely, some concerns were raised about the potential administrative burden placed on the Department to maintain this transparency effectively.

Contention

While there seems to be a consensus on the need for transparency, discussions may arise regarding the practical execution of publishing these decisions and how comprehensive the information should be. There could also be concerns from developers or entities who fear that public scrutiny may lead to unnecessary delays or complications in obtaining waivers and variances. Overall, while the resolution aims at improved public oversight, it raises questions about the balance between transparency and operational efficiency.

Companion Bills

HI SCR204

Same As Requesting The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Publish On Its Website All Decisions Regarding Waivers And Variances.

Previously Filed As

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 HCR223

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

HI HR203

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

HI HCR177

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HR157

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

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 SR186

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Community Gardens On Underutilized Public Land.

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 HCR95

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HCR151

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Exempting All State-related Construction From County Permitting Requirements And Establishing A Permitting Division Within The Department To Be Responsible For Permitting Services For All State-related Construction.

Similar Bills

HI HR94

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HCR99

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HR111

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Fund The Core Services For The People Of Oahu Before Funding The Rail With Its New Hotel Room Tax.

HI SR113

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation To Find A Means To Fund The Construction Of The Park-and-ride Garage At Waiawa Station And Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Additional Transit Services Between Central Oahu And Waiawa Station.

HI SCR220

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.

HI SR195

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.

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 HCR61

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.