HB284 Summary

• Requires Hawaii counties to issue building permits within 60 days for single-family and multi-family projects if applications are stamped and certified by a licensed structural, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineer and architect confirming compliance with building codes and adequate infrastructure capacity.

• Permits are automatically deemed approved if a county fails to notify the applicant within 60 days of a complete application that the project does not comply with applicable state law or county ordinances.

• During the 60-day review period, counties must verify compliance with land use, setback, height, and site development requirements, though discretionary approvals may extend the timeline if the project is non-compliant.

• Requires developers to submit documentation demonstrating the project does not affect historic properties, archaeological resources, or burial sites, and that the development either does not encroach in Federal Emergency Management Agency Special Flood Hazard Areas or has received floodplain management approval.

• Implements a "shot clock" process modeled after Texas and Florida to reduce Hawaii's lengthy building permit processing times, which currently average three times longer than other states.