H.B. 526 Summary

• Requires each county permitting agency to establish and fill positions exclusively dedicated to processing permit applications for state projects.

• Allows counties to contract with third-party service providers to process state project permits until permanent staff positions are filled.

• Defines "county permitting agency" as planning departments in Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii counties, and the Department of Planning and Permitting for Honolulu, or any other county agency designated by county councils to issue building, construction, or development-related permits.

• Defines "state project" as any activity directly undertaken by the State or its political subdivisions, or supported through appropriations, contracts, grants, loans, or other state funding assistance.

• Appropriates unspecified funds (amounts blank in bill text) to all four counties for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish and fill the required positions; takes effect July 1, 2025.