HI HB1632

Requires each county in Hawaii to adopt an ordinance establishing a process allowing licensed architects and professional engineers to self-certify that building permit plans comply with applicable state and county building codes.

Addresses Hawaii's housing shortage by reducing delays in building permit issuance, which the legislature identifies as a major obstacle to new housing development.

References a 2022 University of Hawaii study finding that Hawaii has the most regulated housing market in the nation, with homebuilders waiting three times longer for permits than in other states.

Shifts code compliance responsibility from county planning departments to design professionals, aligning Hawaii practice with processes used in other U.S. municipalities.

Takes effect July 1, 2024, with implementation date for county ordinances left blank in the bill text.