S.B. 638 Summary

• Adds a new section to Hawaii Revised Statutes (§421J) authorizing planned community associations to increase their principal office floor area exempt from county zoning restrictions, subject to board approval and specific conditions.

• Allows floor area increases up to one square foot per lot or unit served by the association, with minimum 5-foot yard setbacks required.

• Requires associations to meet five conditions: principal office located within the planned community, original compliance with zoning when built, growth in community size since original construction, no reasonable alternative office location, and that the expansion would otherwise violate county zoning restrictions.

• Mandates associations submit construction plans and information to the county and comply with all applicable county building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, and construction requirements.

• Amends §46-4 to clarify that county zoning powers may be limited by state law, including the new §421J exemption.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.