Hawaii House Bill HR130

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

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.

Impact

If HR130 is enacted, it could significantly impact state laws governing building permits. Exempting state construction from county permitting requirements would lead to a shift in the regulatory landscape, potentially reducing the timeframe for obtaining necessary approvals for projects. The study proposed by DAGS aims to identify the implications of such changes on existing procedures and the impact on the overall construction process in Hawaii, particularly in counties that are noted for heavy regulation and extensive permitting delays.

Summary

House Resolution 130 (HR130) requests the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to study the feasibility of exempting state-related construction projects from county permitting requirements. The resolution highlights ongoing challenges county agencies face in processing permits due to staffing shortages and the resulting backlog. As a means to expedite construction projects overseen by state departments, HR130 suggests that a dedicated permitting division within DAGS could be established to streamline permitting services for these projects.

Contention

While supporters may argue that HR130 could lead to enhanced efficiency and faster project completion, there are likely concerns from county officials and local stakeholders regarding the loss of local oversight on construction projects. The potential exemption could lead to worries about maintaining safety and compliance with local codes if authority shifts from county agencies to a state-level division. Discussions surrounding HR130 will likely revolve around finding a balance between expediting construction and ensuring that local standards are upheld.