HI SCR97

Requests the Department of Health to establish a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing built before federal Fair Housing Act standards that are governed by condominium and planned community associations.

Working group would be chaired by the Executive Director of the Disability and Communication Access Board and include representatives from Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, and Hawaii Council of Associations of Apartment Owners.

Study would examine the prevalence of accessibility disputes between homeowners and associations, whether state law adequately clarifies association responsibilities for accessibility modifications to common areas, and effects on residents' ability to age in place.

Working group would evaluate feasibility of a state matching assistance fund or grant program to offset accessibility modification costs, including estimated costs under various funding models and potential savings from reducing early institutionalization.

Report with findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, is due to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session.