Hawaii House Bill HB1329

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

Relating To Communities.

Impact

If enacted, HB1329 will amend existing statutes within the Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically Chapter 26 and Chapter 46, to formalize the requirement for public hearings. This act is intended to improve communication between governmental officials and residents, aiming for a more transparent governance structure where communities are informed and can participate in decision-making processes that affect them. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, marking a significant step towards increasing accountability from local government authorities.

Summary

House Bill 1329 seeks to enhance community engagement in the state's governmental processes by mandating public hearings for major plans or efforts that significantly impact local communities. The bill requires any state or county department intending to undertake such significant actions to conduct a public hearing, ensuring that affected community members have the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that notifications about these public hearings should be posted on the relevant department's website and sent directly to state and county elected officials representing the affected constituencies.

Contention

Debate around HB1329 may arise regarding the implications of governmental decision-making processes on community stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that ensuring public hearings will provide a crucial platform for community voices, promoting democratic engagement and safeguarding local interests. On the contrary, opponents may express concerns about the potential for bureaucratic overreach or inefficiencies in processing community feedback during government planning phases. The requirement for notification to elected officials could also be seen as either a positive step towards accountability or an unnecessary layer of complication in governance.