S.B. 869 Summary

• Requires the state historic preservation division to contract third-party consultants to review affordable housing projects if the division cannot complete its own review within 60 days.

• Applies to state projects, privately owned historic properties, and projects affecting historic properties where at least 80% of units are intended as affordable housing as defined under section 201H-57.

• Third-party consultants must meet educational, experience, and preservation professional standards established by state historic preservation division rules and must provide recommendations within 30 days of project notification.

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 6E-8, 6E-10, and 6E-42 to authorize and establish procedures for third-party consultant review in affordable housing development cases.

• Intended to expedite historic preservation reviews for affordable housing projects during Hawaii's economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.