HI HB971

Director of Human Services may designate "housing innovation zones" on private property to provide shelter for homeless individuals or families upon property owner request and agreement.

Designated housing innovation zones are exempt from all state building codes and infrastructure regulations, including Hawaii state building code, fire codes, energy conservation codes, and residential codes, except plumbing and electrical codes that provide water or electrical service.

Director may refuse to designate an area or revoke a designation for good cause and must conduct administrative inspections to ensure designated zones are reasonably safe for public use.

Property owners of designated housing innovation zones are considered donors for liability protection purposes under sections 346-363.

Bill aims to encourage rapid development of innovative temporary housing solutions, such as shipping container facilities like Hale Mauliola, to address Hawaii's growing homeless population (over 7,600 statewide as of 2016).