HB555 Summary

• Establishes state smart growth public infrastructure policy requiring state agencies (Transportation, Education, Health, University of Hawaii, Public Housing Authority, and Land and Natural Resources) to ensure public infrastructure projects meet smart growth criteria before approval or financing.

• Defines smart growth criteria including advancement of existing infrastructure use, projects in municipal centers, infill development areas, protection of state resources, mixed land uses, improved transportation choices, and sustainability measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Requires chief executive officers of state infrastructure agencies to prepare written smart growth impact statements attesting that projects meet criteria or provide justification statements explaining why compliance is impracticable.

• Mandates each state infrastructure agency establish smart growth advisory committees to review agency policies and programs while soliciting input from affected communities and organizations.

• Clarifies nothing in the law creates a private right of action and exempts compliance from federal law requirements; effective July 1, 2014.