HI SR197

Requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to publish all decisions regarding waivers and variances on its website for public access.

Cites authority under Section 21-2.130 (Revised Ordinances of Honolulu) for the Director to waive development or design standards and Section 6-1517 (Revised Charter) to grant variances for unnecessary hardship cases.

References lack of transparency in waiver and variance decisions and prior litigation cases challenging Department procedures, including Citizens Against Reckless Development v. Zoning Board of Appeals and Unite Here! Local 5 v. Department of Planning and Permitting.

Notes March 2021 indictment of five current or former Department employees for allegedly accepting bribes to fast-track permits, citing improved public perception as rationale for transparency.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Executive Officer of the Public Utilities Commission, Mayor of Honolulu, and Director of Planning and Permitting.