Hawaii House Bill HR20

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Auditor Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Review And Audit The Current Permitting, Inspection, And Penalty Process For Monster Homes, And To Identify And Recommend Improvements To Address Associated Issues.

Impact

If HR20 is enacted, it will lead to a series of recommendations aimed at improving the oversight and enforcement of regulations associated with monster homes. The Auditor will be tasked with identifying necessary amendments to the current processes, thereby ensuring that strategies are in place to prevent the illegal construction of such homes. Furthermore, this resolution seeks to create a stronger framework for addressing the current inadequacies in handling violations, thereby elevating the standards for residential building practices in Honolulu.

Summary

House Resolution 20 (HR20) puts forth a request for the Auditor of the City and County of Honolulu to conduct a comprehensive review and audit on the current permitting, inspection, and penalty processes in relation to monster homes. 'Monster homes' are defined as oversized residential structures often built in violation of zoning laws and building codes, negatively impacting the character of neighborhoods by increasing congestion and raising safety concerns. The bill emphasizes the necessity of upholding existing regulations to protect community integrity and ensure health and safety compliance.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention surrounding the development regulations whose perceived constraints could be debated among stakeholders, including developers, homeowners, and the community at large. Proponents of HR20 argue that reinforced regulations will foster community safety and adherence to laws, while opponents might view stricter penalties and enforcement as unnecessary overreach that could stifle housing development opportunities. The resolution highlights the ongoing balancing act between community interests and the need for responsible land development.