Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews Of State Affordable Housing Projects.
The legislation imposes a requirement that projects located in sensitive areas with significant historical or cultural resources must undergo an archaeological inventory survey. This means that developers will have to account for and mitigate any potential negative impacts on historic properties when planning affordable housing projects. Such measures aim to reduce conflicts between housing development and the preservation of important archaeological sites and cultural landmarks, thus balancing the need for affordable housing with the preservation of Hawaii's historic resources.
SB1327 amends Chapter 6E of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to introduce new requirements concerning historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. The bill mandates that before any state agency or related officer commences an affordable housing project that may impact historic properties, aviation artifacts, or burial sites, they must notify the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to assess the project's effect on these resources. This formal determination must be made before any project initiation, which establishes a more structured review process aimed at protecting Hawaii's rich cultural heritage.
Notably, there may be contention around the timing of the review processes and how stringent the requirements would be for various levels of project sensitivity. Developers may argue that the new measures could delay the commencement of essential housing projects, particularly in urgent housing markets. Additionally, while preservation advocates may support enhanced protections for historical sites, there may be concerns regarding the efficiency of the review process and whether it could lead to bureaucratic delays that could stymie needed development.
In essence, SB1327 seeks to create a comprehensive framework that governs how affordable housing projects interact with Hawaii's historic and cultural resources. While it strives to uphold the state's commitment to preserving its past, it equally aims to ensure that the growth needs of its population are met. The ongoing discussions will likely explore how to effectively balance these sometimes competing interests within the framework established by this bill.