HI SB588

Requires all government entities in Hawaii that issue building permits to establish a self-certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems by a specified date, allowing permits to be approved immediately upon application submission.

Permits must be issued and closed within 30 days of application submission if requirements are met, including proof of valid professional licenses and confirmation of code compliance.

Allows licensed design professionals to conduct permit reviews and inspections using commercially available software and offline field reports (photos and videos), eliminating the need for in-person inspections.

Exempts solar distributed energy resource systems from Federal Emergency Management Agency No-Rise/No-Impact declaration requirements unless the project is located in a regulatory floodway.

Effective date is July 1, 2050.