HI HR122

Urges Hawaii counties to include townhomes in the residential permitting process for solar panel installations, currently requiring commercial permits instead of residential permits.

Addresses delays of up to two years in the Department of Planning and Permitting's commercial permit backlog for solar installations that prevent townhome owners from installing solar panels.

Notes that single-family homes require only residential permits for solar installations while townhomes require commercial permits, creating an inequitable barrier to renewable energy adoption.

Identifies that current policy prevents thousands of townhome owners from contributing to Hawaii's goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2045 and accessing federal and state tax incentives for solar installations.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the Governor, all county mayors, county planning directors, and the Chief Energy Officer.