STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3747

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1700

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 1700, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Include housing projects for individuals with disabilities and individuals with access and functional needs as eligible projects to apply for expedited permits; and

(2) Require reports to the Legislature.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Navian Hawaii, Housing Hawaiʻi's Future, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs often face significant barriers in securing adequate housing due to longer project timelines and permitting delays. Existing expedited permit processes do not explicitly include these populations, which can slow the delivery of urgently needed accessible housing. This measure recognizes disability-inclusive housing as essential community infrastructure and will help communities better meet the housing needs of these populations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1700, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair