Urging The Counties To Include Townhomes In The Residential Permitting Process For The Installation Of Solar Panels.
Impact
The resolution aims to address the permitting backlog and encourage more homeowners to adopt solar energy solutions. By integrating townhomes into the residential permitting framework, the state intends to enhance energy security and stability within Hawaii's energy grid. This change is also expected to support local solar installation businesses, allowing them to better service a broader demographic. The emphasis on speeding up the permitting process is crucial as it can lead to cost savings for residents through various federal and state tax incentives available for solar panel installations.
Summary
HCR117 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2023, urging the counties to incorporate townhomes into the residential permitting process for solar panel installations. The resolution highlights Hawaii's ambitious goal to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045. This initiative is fueled by the recognition that the current permitting process is creating significant barriers for townhome owners, who face long delays—up to two years—for securing the necessary commercial permits for solar panel installations. In contrast, single-family homes only require a residential permit, resulting in an imbalance that limits townhome owners' contributions to renewable energy initiatives.
Contention
While HCR117 may be broadly seen as a positive step towards achieving Hawaii's environmental goals, there may be underlying concerns about the implementation of such changes. Some stakeholders might argue about the potential implications on zoning laws and the level of qualifications needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of solar panel installations in townhome communities. Additionally, the urgency expressed in this resolution emphasizes a need for immediate action, which could trigger debates about the adequacy of existing permitting infrastructure and whether it can adapt to increased demand for faster approvals.
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 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.
Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft And Agricultural Vandalism, In The City And County Of Honolulu County Of Kauai, And County Of Maui.
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.
Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Develop A Scope Of Work Or Requests For Proposals For Bidders To Perform Their Own Analysis And Methodology That Determines Whether A Development Will Contribute To The Long-term Fiscal Sustainability Of The State And Respective County.
Requesting The United States Department Of Defense, Including The Navy, Army, And Air Force, To Increase On-base Housing Availability For Active Duty Personnel And Their Dependents Assigned To Military Installations In The State.