Relating To Special Management Areas.
The bill proposes specific exclusions from the definition of 'development', such as for public pedestrian and bicycle facilities, environmental preservation activities like invasive vegetation removal, and maintenance of public lighting to comply with health and safety standards. This aims to reduce the need for special management area permits for actions that are not expected to significantly affect the environment, thereby facilitating quicker responses to maintenance and improvements that enhance public infrastructure and environmental quality.
SB207 aims to amend the definition of 'development' in relation to special management areas in Hawaii to promote environmental controls while alleviating unnecessary burdens on minor improvements. The legislation recognizes the challenges posed by the existing broad definition combined with rising costs, which often lead to special management area use permits being required for minor activities, causing delays and added costs. By fine-tuning this definition, SB207 seeks to streamline the permitting process for certain activities deemed less impactful.
While supporters argue that this change will foster better environmental management by allowing more efficient maintenance and improvements, critics may express concerns regarding the potential laxity in oversight for developments that could accumulate significant environmental impacts. Proponents stress the balance between preserving ecological integrity and encouraging necessary infrastructure improvements, while opponents may fear that exclusions may lead to environmental degradation if not carefully audited.