Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2065

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

Relating To County Permits.

Impact

The bill introduces a specific allocation of funds for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to support counties in filling these positions. This financial consideration signifies an investment by the state into local governance structures, emphasizing the importance of a well-resourced permitting process. It is anticipated that by designating staff exclusively for state projects, there will be a notable reduction in the time taken for approvals, which has been a significant concern in project development.

Summary

Senate Bill 2065 seeks to enhance the efficiency of the permitting process for state projects within Hawaii by requiring each county's permitting agency to establish and fill dedicated positions solely tasked with processing permit applications for such projects. This bill aims to streamline the interaction between state projects and the local planning authorities, thereby potentially reducing delays caused by overlapping responsibilities among the various county agencies involved in permit processing.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB 2065 may face scrutiny related to the extent of local autonomy in permit processing. Critics may argue that this centralization, while aiming for efficiency, undermines the local control that county agencies traditionally have in managing their own permit systems. There may be fears regarding the appropriateness of state oversight in local matters and whether this could lead to insufficient consideration of unique local challenges and needs within the permitting process. As with any legislative changes, there will likely be discussions regarding the balance between state assistance and local governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB73

Relating To County Permits.

HI SB161

Relating To County Permitting And Inspection.

HI HB459

Relating To County Permits.

HI HB526

Relating To County Permits.

HI HB761

Relating To County Permitting And Inspection.

HI SB188

Relating To A State Permitting Office.

HI SB85

Relating To Permits.

HI SB167

Relating To Permits.

HI HB1255

Relating To Permits.

HI HB1405

Relating To Permits.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.