Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR204

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
4/4/22  
Engrossed
4/5/22  
Refer
4/6/22  
Report Pass
4/18/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Publish On Its Website All Decisions Regarding Waivers And Variances.

Impact

The impact of SCR204 on state laws primarily revolves around bolstering transparency and public trust in governmental processes. By making waivers and variances publicly available, residents and stakeholders will be better informed about the planning and permitting decisions affecting their communities. The legislation may help mitigate past issues of corruption and lack of accountability within the department, particularly in light of legal disputes that have arisen due to alleged improprieties related to the issuance of permits.

Summary

SCR204 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, which focuses on enhancing transparency in the decision-making processes of the Department of Planning and Permitting in Honolulu. The bill requests that the department publish all decisions regarding waivers and variances on its website. This resolution is motivated by the need to improve public access to information and maintain accountability in the granting and denial of waivers, which can significantly impact development and land use within the city and county of Honolulu.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SCR204 has been positive, as it is seen as a step towards greater openness in government. Supporters of the resolution argue that transparency helps eliminate potential conflicts of interest and improves the integrity of the permit system. Furthermore, the measure responds to public dissatisfaction which has surfaced from notable cases of litigation surrounding zoning and permitting practices, indicating a broader demand for reform in governmental processes. However, some concerns were raised regarding the administrative burden this may place on the department in managing and maintaining the required public records.

Contention

A notable point of contention is regarding how effectively this measure can be implemented and whether the Department of Planning and Permitting has the resources necessary for the additional transparency. Furthermore, the potential impact of this resolution on upcoming development projects has been debated, with opponents cautioning that increased public scrutiny might lead to delays in essential projects that require expedited processing of waivers. Nevertheless, proponents maintain that the benefits of heightened transparency will outweigh these concerns, facilitating a more equitable planning process.

Companion Bills

HI SR197

Same As Requesting The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Publish On Its Website All Decisions Regarding Waivers And Variances.

Previously Filed As

HI SR92

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI HCR223

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Convene A Task Force To Study Permitted Events In Urban Honolulu.

HI HR203

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Convene A Task Force To Study Permitted Events In Urban Honolulu.

HI HCR177

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI HR157

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu And Department Of Transportation To Provide Covered Bus Shelters At All Bus Stops On Oahu.

HI SCR110

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI SR186

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services And Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Work With The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Community Gardens On Underutilized Public Land.

HI HCR62

Requesting The City And County Of Honolulu To Transfer To The State The City And County Of Honolulu's Authority To Construct A Makakilo Drive Extension.

HI HCR95

Requesting The Department Of Facility Maintenance Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Clean Certain Streams And Canals In Waipahu.

HI HCR151

Requesting The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Exempting All State-related Construction From County Permitting Requirements And Establishing A Permitting Division Within The Department To Be Responsible For Permitting Services For All State-related Construction.

Similar Bills

HI HR94

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HCR99

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HR111

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Fund The Core Services For The People Of Oahu Before Funding The Rail With Its New Hotel Room Tax.

HI SR113

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation To Find A Means To Fund The Construction Of The Park-and-ride Garage At Waiawa Station And Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Additional Transit Services Between Central Oahu And Waiawa Station.

HI SR195

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.

HI SCR220

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.

HI SR31

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI SCR36

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.