Hawaii Senate Bill SR24

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

Requesting Each County To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring, As A Condition Of Its Approval Of A Subdivision Or Issuance Of A Building Permit For Any New Structure Or Unit Within A Structure, The Subdivider Or Developer To Obtain Assurance Of Mail Delivery To Each Parcel.

Impact

If adopted, the ordinance would mandate that developers obtain necessary approvals for street names and addresses before any sale or lease of new lots or units. This requirement seeks to establish consistent and reliable mail delivery points within these developments. Moreover, the resolution emphasizes that developers must install mailboxes in accordance with USPS standards, thereby potentially improving overall mail service reliability in underserved areas.

Summary

Senate Resolution 24 (SR24) requests that counties in Hawaii adopt ordinances requiring developers to ensure mail delivery for new subdivisions and construction projects. The resolution aims to address the difficulties some residents face in receiving their mail due to inadequate street addresses in the United States Postal Service's (USPS) database, particularly in rural areas. The lack of proper mail delivery facilities has led to significant inconvenience for residents, including extended travel times to collect their mail from distant locations or post offices due to the absence of local delivery services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR24 has generally been supportive, with stakeholders recognizing the importance of access to reliable mail services. Support from local government officials and rural community advocates indicates a collective acknowledgment that easier mail access will enhance quality of life for residents in these areas. However, there may also be lingering concerns about the implementation of such ordinances, particularly regarding the balance between regulatory requirements for developers and practical delivery capabilities of the USPS.

Contention

Notably, the resolution highlights the legislative authority of county bodies to regulate subdivisions and building permits. Some potential points of contention may arise regarding the financial implications for developers and the existing infrastructure's capability to support these changes. Additionally, the requirement for new mailboxes and street address assignments could lead to discussions on the adequacy of resources available for such implementations in rapidly growing rural developments, where infrastructure may not keep pace with construction.