Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR7

Introduced
1/23/26  
Refer
3/10/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
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 bill addresses a critical public health issue by aiming to reduce the delays that older adults face when seeking necessary modifications to their homes. It is particularly relevant given the alarming statistics on fall-related injuries, which are the leading cause of fatal injuries in seniors. By ensuring timely approvals of permit applications, HR7 is designed to lower the risk of such incidents, thus helping to contain healthcare costs stemming from avoidable hospitalizations associated with falls.

Summary

House Resolution 7 (HR7) urges counties in Hawaii to expedite the processing of building permit applications related to modifications needed for the safety and health of older adults and individuals with disabilities. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for counties to act on these applications within a strict timeline of forty-five days from the receipt of complete applications, as delays can significantly impact the health and safety of these vulnerable populations. It highlights modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways that are crucial for supporting independent living among seniors and those with disabilities.

Contention

While HR7 aims to improve the current processes, it could be met with challenges or opposition from local government entities concerned about resource allocation for expedited permit processing. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of adhering to the proposed timeline without compromising the thoroughness of the review process. Even though the resolution advocates for efficiency and accountability, balancing the need for rapid processing with the necessity for safety evaluations remains a point of discussion that might require further deliberation among county officials.

Companion Bills

HI HCR8

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 SR10

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 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 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 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 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 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.

HI HR140

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

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.