STAND. COM. REP. NO. 700-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2362

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2362, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the counties to automatically approve permits for hurricane retrofitting.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from five individuals.

Your Committee finds that much of Hawaii's residential construction predates modern wind-resistance standards. Retrofitting these homes is not optional, it is essential. However, the permitting process for even simple, life-saving upgrades can be slow, costly, and burdensome. Your Committee further finds that this measure removes unnecessary barriers by requiring counties to automatically approve permits for hurricane retrofits when the planned retrofit work meet clear, objective safety standards.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2362, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair