Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews.
The bill seeks to amend existing statutes regarding the review of proposed state projects that may affect historic properties. By allowing third-party consultants to take on review responsibilities, the measure aims to reduce the backlog faced by the historic preservation division, which has been unable to keep pace with the volume of submissions. The legislature highlights that the existing regulatory burdens are contributing to high housing costs, which necessitates these modifications to facilitate quicker project completions.
House Bill 830 addresses the historic preservation review processes in Hawaii, particularly in relation to the growing demand for affordable housing. It enables the State Historic Preservation Division to engage third-party consultants to expedite reviews for state projects that impact historic sites when the division is unable to complete its evaluations within sixty days. This change is crucial as current review timelines often lead to significant delays in project approvals, thereby impacting housing development and other necessary infrastructure.
The sentiment surrounding HB 830 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who recognize the urgent need for affordable housing and the challenges posed by extensive review processes. By streamlining the historic preservation review process, supporters argue that the bill will lead to more timely approvals for vital housing projects. However, there may be concerns regarding the preservation of historic sites and the potential for inadequate oversight if reviews are outsourced to third-party consultants.
Notable points of contention include the potential for diminished scrutiny on historic preservation efforts when third-party consultants are utilized. Critics may argue that engaging external consultants could compromise the integrity of reviews, especially if there are insufficient safeguards and qualification requirements. Furthermore, the funding for these consultants would need to be managed carefully to ensure that the project proponents are not unduly burdened, particularly in the case of developers focusing on affordable housing.