Hawaii House Bill HR196

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The Maui County Planning Department To Retain The Word "require" In The South Maui Community Plan As It Relates To Infrastructure To Ensure That Development Does Not Occur Without Adequate Supporting Infrastructure.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the importance of sustainable and responsible growth management within the rapidly developing South Maui region. By mandating that infrastructure must be completed before new developments are permitted to be occupied, the resolution addresses the risks associated with unregulated growth that may lead to strain on local services and quality of life. It draws parallels to policies implemented in various cities across the United States which prioritize infrastructure completion ahead of new development as a strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of unchecked urban growth.

Summary

House Resolution 196 urges the Maui County Planning Department to retain the word 'require' in the South Maui Community Plan concerning infrastructure. This retention is viewed as crucial to ensuring that development occurs only when adequate supporting infrastructure is in place. The resolution highlights the need for enforceable requirements to maintain accountability in infrastructural improvements coinciding with new development projects. It aims to address concerns from the Wailea community and residents of South Maui about potential overdevelopment, increased congestion, and negative environmental impacts due to travel and public service demands.

Contention

While supporters argue that retaining the word 'require' strengthens the regulatory framework necessary for sustainable growth, there may be contention around the implications of such regulations on development timelines and economic interests. Potential criticisms could stem from developers who may view the insistence on stringent infrastructure requirements as a hindrance to timely project completion. Nevertheless, the resolution aims to encourage the Planning Department to consider established models from other municipalities that reflect a commitment to infrastructure-first development as essential for long-term community health and robustness.