Hawaii House Bill HR90

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
• Passed: 4/9/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Planning And Permitting 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 Across Oahu.

Impact

The adoption of HR90 is expected to significantly impact state laws related to housing development by simplifying design regulations and accelerating the permitting process. By introducing a housing pattern book containing pre-reviewed designs, the resolution aims to alleviate the complexities and delays currently experienced in housing construction. This approach has been validated by successful models in other regions like New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, where similar initiatives have helped increase the availability of housing units efficiently.

Summary

House Resolution 90 (HR90) calls on the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to develop a countywide housing pattern book. This initiative aims to streamline the permit approval process and reduce regulatory barriers to facilitate the construction of safe, affordable, and well-designed homes across Oahu. The resolution recognizes the severe housing shortage in Hawaii and aims to increase the supply of community-compatible housing through improved design standards and expedited processes. It emphasizes the significance of creating a built environment that promotes dignity, stability, and well-being for residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR90 appears to be predominantly positive among proponents who see it as a vital step towards addressing the housing crisis in Hawaii. Supporters believe that enabling streamlined processes and standardized design can enhance the quality of housing while making it more accessible to residents. There is also a recognition of the importance of culturally responsive and climate-adapted designs to enrich the local community's living environment. However, some stakeholders may express concerns over potential oversights in community needs if regulations are overly standardized.

Contention

Points of contention related to HR90 may arise concerning the balance between streamlining permitting processes and maintaining local control over housing designs. While the resolution is poised to foster rapid housing development, critics may argue that a one-size-fits-all approach could neglect the unique characteristics and requirements of different neighborhoods in Oahu. Additionally, the community's involvement in the design process through competitions and collaboration is crucial to ensure that the resultant housing initiatives meet diverse needs and expectations.