HB 2261 Summary

• Redefines "historic property" to include only buildings listed on the Hawaii or National Register of Historic Places, or structures built before August 21, 1959, eliminating the previous blanket 50-year-old threshold.

• Narrows historic preservation review requirements for proposed projects on privately-owned single-family detached dwelling units and townhouses to apply only to those meeting the new definition of historic property.

• Aims to reduce the workload of the state historic preservation division by focusing review efforts on properties of genuine historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance rather than all structures over 50 years old.

• Addresses housing supply concerns by expediting redevelopment of older properties that lack historical significance by eliminating unnecessary preservation reviews.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000.