HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2358
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§343- Certain affordable housing developments; exemption; qualifications. (a) Notwithstanding any requirements of this chapter to the contrary, the construction of a new affordable housing project that:

(1) Is subject to this chapter due solely to its proposing a use of state or county lands or funds or a use within the Waikiki special district;

(2) Is located within the state urban land use district, or is located in the state agricultural land use district and is no larger than fifteen acres in size, is contiguous with a parcel that has a state urban land use district classification, and is not designated as important agricultural lands; and

(3) Does not require a variance for a shoreline setback and is not located in an environmentally sensitive area,

shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) The term "affordable housing project" is defined by the applicable controlling law for the state or county agency that is either developing or approving the project; and

(2) The term "environmentally sensitive area" includes, but is not limited to, a flood plain, a tsunami zone, a sea level rise exposure area, a beach, an erosion-prone area, geologically hazardous land, an estuary, fresh waters, or coastal waters.

(c) This section shall apply to the development, planning, permitting, and construction of all new affordable housing projects that occur after the effective date of this Act."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

Report Title:

Environmental Impact Statements; Exemption; Affordable Housing

Description:

Codifies the exemption from environmental impact statements for affordable housing projects that meet certain criteria.

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