HI SB618

Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to establish a five-year State Permit Pilot Program to process building and infrastructure permits for state-owned construction projects in the wildfire disaster declaration area related to the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires.

Allows state agencies to obtain a state permit from DAGS in lieu of county building permits for state buildings, roads, highways, and construction on state lands, provided plans satisfy state and county building codes.

Grants state agencies immunity from liability for not obtaining county permits when a state permit is issued, and requires counties to issue certificates of occupancy within thirty days of completion and final inspection or the certificate is deemed issued.

Mandates counties and public/private utilities allow projects with state permits to connect to required infrastructure services (water, wastewater, electrical, internet, etc.) without requiring county permits.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to establish the pilot program, with interim reports required by 2025-2028 and a final report by 2029; pilot program terminates June 30, 2029.