Requires counties to adopt ordinances to allow buildings designed using practices, styles, customs, techniques, and materials from indigenous Hawaiian architecture. (HB2928 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Article XII, section 7 of the State Constitution provides, in part, that "[t]he State reaffirms and shall protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes" by native Hawaiians. Section 7-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, further reserves the right of the people to take for their own private use house-timber from lands upon which they reside. Further, chapter 36 of the Maui county code allows the use of indigenous Hawaiian architecture in the design and construction of structures in the county of Maui.

The purpose of this Act is to allow the use of the techniques, styles, and customs of indigenous Hawaiian architecture to be employed in present-day construction in the state.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46- Indigenous Hawaiian architecture. (a) Each county shall adopt ordinances allowing the application of indigenous native Hawaiian architectural practices, styles, customs, techniques, and materials historically employed by native Hawaiians in their building codes, including but not limited to residential and other structures comprised of either rock wall or wood frame walls covered by thatches of different native grasses or other natural material for roofs.

(b) The application of indigenous Hawaiian architecture shall be permitted in all zoning districts; provided that it is consistent with the intent and purpose of the district."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.