Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews.
The introduction of SB575 is expected to facilitate timely reviews of projects that may affect historic properties, burial sites, and aviation artifacts. By conditioning the reviews to be completed within a specified timeframe or outsourced to qualified consultants, the bill seeks to alleviate the permitting backlog that has impeded development activities. This not only aims to improve regulatory efficiency but is also targeted at addressing the broader issue of housing affordability in Hawaii, where median prices have significantly outpaced national averages.
SB575 aims to amend the historic preservation review process in Hawaii by requiring the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract its review processes to third-party consultants if it cannot complete reviews within sixty days. This amendment responds to the significant legislative findings regarding the impact of lengthy historic preservation reviews on critical infrastructure projects, thereby causing delays in permitting and impacting economic development, particularly during a housing crisis. Notably, the 2024 report highlighted that regulatory costs contribute substantially to high housing prices, making this legislation a priority for the state.
While the bill seeks to streamline the process, it may evoke concerns related to the integrity of the historic preservation process, with critics arguing that outsourcing reviews may compromise the depth and quality of evaluations necessary to protect Hawaii's rich cultural heritage. Opponents may worry that a focus on expedited reviews could lead to overlooking significant historical and cultural emphases that ought to be carefully considered before permitting projects that could impact historic sites.