One of the main implications of HB 1765 is that it could accelerate the development of housing projects, particularly for residents of Hawaii who do not own other real property. By streamlining the approval process and exempting projects from some local regulations, the bill could potentially simplify the construction of new residential developments in a state facing significant housing shortages. It specifically targets the housing market to promote accessibility for residents, aiming to address the ongoing issue of high housing costs in Hawaii.
House Bill 1765 aims to amend existing statutes related to housing development in Hawaii. Specifically, it modifies Section 201H-38 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation more flexibility in developing housing projects. The bill proposes that certain housing projects, developed either by the corporation or approved developers, would be exempt from a range of statutory and local regulatory requirements regarding planning, zoning, and construction standards, provided they meet certain criteria related to safety and local approval processes.
Despite its positive intentions, the bill faces criticism from various stakeholders concerned about the implications for local governance and community input. Critics argue that the exemptions granted to developers could undermine local oversight and planning, potentially leading to developments that do not align with community needs or safety standards. Proponents of local control express fears that the bill could facilitate subpar housing projects and contribute to further mismanagement of Hawaii’s limited land resources, given the expedited approval timeline outlined within the bill.