Urging The Counties To Include Townhomes In The Residential Permitting Process For The Installation Of Solar Panels.
Impact
The passing of HR122 could potentially result in a more streamlined permitting process for solar panel installations among townhomes, which would therefore facilitate greater adoption of solar energy across the state. By encouraging local governments to transition from requiring commercial permits for town homes to residential ones, the resolution aims to support increases in solar energy contributions, stabilizate the energy grid, and provide alternative power sources in emergencies. Ultimately, achieving a higher rate of solar panel installations may also have economic benefits for local solar installation companies.
Summary
House Resolution 122 (HR122) urges the counties of Hawaii to revise their residential permitting process to include townhomes for the installation of solar panels. The resolution highlights the state’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045 and addresses the current permitting challenges faced by townhome owners in the City and County of Honolulu, where commercial permits required for townhome solar installations often result in delays of up to two years. This situation limits the ability of many residents to contribute to the state's renewable energy objectives.
Contention
While the resolution serves to promote clean energy initiatives, it may also raise questions regarding the implementation and effectiveness of such changes. Building permitting processes are often complex and require a balance between promoting renewable energy and ensuring compliance with construction standards. Critics may argue about the feasibility of expediting the permitting process without compromising safety and building regulations - thus leading to potential contention between environmental and regulatory concerns within council meetings.
Urging The Counties To Amend Or Adopt Ordinances To Be Consistent With The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation's Rules Regarding Residential Income Requirements On Housing Projects.
Requesting The Counties To Amend Or Adopt An Ordinance To Allow Religious Institutions, Educational Institutions, Or Medical Institutions To Develop Residential Units On Parcels That Meet Certain Conditions.
Requesting The Counties To Amend Or Adopt An Ordinance To Allow Religious Institutions, Educational Institutions, Or Medical Institutions To Develop Residential Units On Parcels That Meet Certain Conditions.
Urging The Counties To Amend Or Adopt Ordinances To Be Consistent With The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation's Rules Regarding Residential Income Requirements And Affordability Terms On Housing Projects Or Subsidize Any Resulting Revenue Shortfall To The Housing Project.
Urging The Department Of Health To Convene An Informal Working Group To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of All Group Living Facilities As Described In Section 46-4(d), Hawaii Revised Statutes, Including Clean And Sober Homes.
Urging The Department Of Health To Convene An Informal Working Group To Assess The Registration And Monitoring Of All Group Living Facilities As Described In Section 46-4(d), Hawaii Revised Statutes, Including Clean And Sober Homes.
Urging The Counties To Adopt An Ordinance Requiring Restaurants And Other Food Service Establishments To Take Steps To Make Their Businesses Safe For Members Of The Public With Severe Food Allergies.