HB2358 Summary

• Adds a new exemption to Chapter 343 (Environmental Impact Statements) of Hawaii Revised Statutes for certain affordable housing projects that meet specific criteria.

• Exempts affordable housing projects that: (1) are subject to environmental review solely due to use of state/county lands or funds or location in Waikiki Special District; (2) are located in the state urban land use district; (3) are consistent with existing county zoning that allows housing; and (4) do not require a shoreline setback variance and are not in environmentally sensitive areas.

• Qualifies exempt projects as a general type of action eligible for exemption under Hawaii Administrative Rules sections 11-200-1 through 11-200-15.

• Defines "affordable housing project" by reference to the applicable controlling law of the state or county agency developing or approving the project.

• Defines "environmentally sensitive area" to include flood plains, tsunami zones, sea level rise exposure areas, beaches, erosion-prone areas, geologically hazardous land, estuaries, fresh waters, and coastal waters.