Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR8

Introduced
1/23/26  
Refer
3/10/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  

Caption

Urging The Counties To Act On Any Building Permit Application For Modification Of A Residence That Is Prescribed By A Licensed Health Care Provider And Found By The County To Be Essential To The Safety Or Health Of An Older Adult Or Person With A Disability Within Forty-five Days Of Receipt Of A Complete Application.

Impact

The resolution addresses a significant public health issue, acknowledging the lengthy delays currently faced by older adults in obtaining necessary modifications like ramps and grab bars. These modifications are crucial for enabling individuals to live independently, thus reducing reliance on institutional care. The resolution aims to improve health outcomes by minimizing the risks associated with falls, which are a leading cause of injury and fatality among seniors. By setting this timeline for approvals, the state seeks to reduce health care costs that arise from preventable accidents in the home.

Summary

HCR8, a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-Third Legislature of Hawaii in 2026, urges counties to expedite the processing of building permit applications for modifications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers. These modifications are deemed essential for ensuring older adults and persons with disabilities can maintain safety and health in their homes. The resolution specifically calls for a timeline of forty-five days to act on these applications after receiving a complete submission, thereby promoting efficient and timely responses to urgent safety needs.

Contention

While the resolution broadly enjoys support for its intent to improve safety for vulnerable populations, potential concerns may arise regarding its implementation. Specifically, there could be challenges related to the capacity of county agencies to meet the mandated processing timelines without additional resources. Stakeholders might debate the trade-offs between expedited processes and the thoroughness required for assessing building modifications adequately. Additionally, some may voice concerns about whether such a timeline could compromise local accountability in infrastructure modifications for safety.

Companion Bills

HI HR7

Same As Urging The Counties To Act On Any Building Permit Application For Modification Of A Residence That Is Prescribed By A Licensed Health Care Provider And Found By The County To Be Essential To The Safety Or Health Of An Older Adult Or Person With A Disability Within Forty-five Days Of Receipt Of A Complete Application.

HI SCR8

Same As Urging The Counties To Act On Any Building Permit Application For Modification Of A Residence That Is Prescribed By A Licensed Health Care Provider And Found By The County To Be Essential To The Safety Or Health Of An Older Adult Or Person With A Disability Within Forty-five Days Of Receipt Of A Complete Application.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR26

Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.

HI HCR130

Urging Congress, The Counties Of The State, And Other Relevant Agencies To Provide Increased And Sustained Funding To The Invasive Species Committees And Hawaii Ant Lab Within The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Of The University Of Hawaii At Mnoa.

HI HCR173

Urging The Department Of Health To Undertake Preliminary Education, Outreach, And Vaccination Drive Efforts At Schools In Hawaii With Vaccination Rates Under Thirty Percent, Beginning At The Start Of The 2025-2026 School Year, In Partnership With Community Health Centers And Other Local Healthcare Providers.

HI HR169

Urging The Department Of Health To Undertake Preliminary Education, Outreach, And Vaccination Drive Efforts At Schools In Hawaii With Vaccination Rates Under Thirty Percent, Beginning At The Start Of The 2025-2026 School Year, In Partnership With Community Health Centers And Other Local Healthcare Providers.

HI SCR68

Requesting The Counties To Authorize A Percentage Of Taxes Generated By The General Excise And Fuel Taxes Collected By The Counties To Be Used For The Maintenance Of Privatelyowned Roadways That Are Open To The Public.

HI HCR146

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Apply For And Implement The Elderly Simplified Application Project In The State When Capable.

HI HR25

Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.

HI HR126

Urging The State, Counties, And Other Relevant Agencies To Provide Increased And Sustained Funding To The Invasive Species Committees And Hawaii Ant Lab Within The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit Of The University Of Hawaii At Mnoa.

HI SR52

Requesting The Counties To Authorize A Percentage Of Taxes Generated By The General Excise And Fuel Taxes Collected By The Counties To Be Used For The Maintenance Of Privatelyowned Roadways That Are Open To The Public.

HI SCR25

Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.