Hawaii House Bill HR49

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu And Developers To Coordinate Their Infrastructure Plans And Collaborate With Stakeholders To Ensure Adequate Infrastructure Be In Place Prior To Building New Housing Developments.

Impact

The passage of H.R. 49 could have substantial implications for future housing developments in Honolulu. It emphasizes that development should not proceed without adequate infrastructure. Current trends show that developers are building new homes at a rapid pace, yet many projects lack sufficient planning to ensure that infrastructure will support this growth. By urging collaboration among developers, city officials, and other stakeholders, the resolution seeks to mitigate potential infrastructure deficits that could arise from disjointed planning.

Summary

H.R. 49 is a resolution from the Hawaii House of Representatives urging the City and County of Honolulu, along with developers, to coordinate their infrastructure plans and collaborate with key stakeholders. The bill addresses significant concerns about the state of Hawaii's infrastructure, which has received a D+ rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. It highlights the urgent need to improve infrastructure before new housing developments are constructed. The resolution reflects a growing awareness that the state cannot effectively address its housing shortages without addressing existing infrastructure needs, which are estimated at around $1.1 billion in unfunded requirements.

Contention

One notable area of contention surrounding H.R. 49 may center on the challenges inherent in coordination between government agencies and private developers. Critics might argue that the resolution could slow down much-needed housing developments amid a significant housing shortage in the state. There is concern over whether enough urgency will be placed on infrastructure improvements, especially given the track record of the City and County of Honolulu in awarding development contracts prematurely. Balancing the immediate demand for housing with long-term sustainable urban planning will likely be a complex issue as discussions progress.