Hawaii Senate Bill SB494

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Report Pass: 3/3/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23

Caption

Relating To Vacant And Abandoned Residential Property.

Impact

The legislation mandates that each county in Hawaii must create an expedited process for approving demolition permits for vacant residential properties. This process is designed to significantly reduce the time taken to demolish these structures, limiting it to a maximum of twenty-one days from application to approval. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, thereby setting a clear timeline for counties to adhere to these new regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 494 aims to address the growing issue of vacant and abandoned residential properties in Hawaii, which are seen as a significant burden on communities. These properties not only detract from neighborhood aesthetics but can also become safety hazards and contribute to local crime. By citing specific instances of destructive fires linked to unoccupied homes, the bill emphasizes the urgent need for a structured response to manage these properties more effectively.

Contention

Another critical aspect of SB494 allows the Department of Taxation the authority to pursue nonjudicial foreclosure for vacant and abandoned properties that have outstanding state tax liens. This provision has raised concerns regarding the potential for aggressive enforcement actions against property owners and may be viewed as a conflict between the right to private property and government intervention. Critics may argue that such measures could disproportionately affect property owners already struggling with financial difficulties, emphasizing the need for balance in enforcement approaches.