Hawaii House Bill HCR98

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/1/26
• Refer: 4/1/26
• Report Pass: 4/9/26
• Engrossed: 4/9/26
• Refer: 4/10/26
• Report Pass: 4/23/26
• Passed: 4/24/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Housing And Land Management Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Develop A Countywide Housing Pattern Book To Streamline Permit Approvals And Reduce Regulatory Barriers For Safe, Affordable, And Well-designed Homes.

Impact

The implementation of HCR98 could have significant implications for state laws concerning housing development. By establishing a standardized housing pattern book, the resolution seeks to make it easier to construct various housing types, including accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings. This can potentially lead to a more efficient housing market in the region, encouraging growth in community-compatible housing that contributes to wellbeing. The resolution emphasizes the need for housing designs that also reflect cultural and environmental considerations, drawing from Hawaii's architectural traditions.

Summary

HCR98 is a House Concurrent Resolution aimed at addressing the acute housing shortage in Hawaii by requesting the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu to develop a countywide housing pattern book. This book would consist of pre-reviewed residential building designs that comply with local building codes, intended to streamline permit approvals and reduce regulatory barriers that currently hinder the development of safe, affordable, and well-designed homes. The resolution acknowledges the complexity of existing permit processes and aims to present a solution that can accelerate housing production while maintaining essential safety and design standards.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR98 among its supporters is positive, as it is seen as a proactive step toward mitigating the housing crisis facing many Hawaii residents. Proponents highlight the importance of affordable and quality housing as a priority for the community's stability. Conversely, there may be some skepticism about how effectively the proposed solutions will address local specificities and whether streamlined processes might overlook essential regulatory protections.

Contention

While HCR98 promotes the benefits of standardized housing designs, there may be concerns about locally tailored solutions being sidelined. The resolution calls for collaboration across various stakeholders, which, while potentially beneficial, also raises questions about jurisdictional power and the balance between rapid development and community-specific needs. Critics may argue that simplifying the permitting process may lead to compromises in design integrity and local input, highlighting the tension between efficiency and localized residential planning.