Report Title:

Indigenous Hawaiian Architecture; Deadline to Adopt Rules

 

Description:

Requires counties to adopt rules to allow for the construction of indigenous Hawaiian structures by March 31, 2008.  (HB111 HD1)

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

111

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HOUSING.

 

 

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

 

     Section 1.  The current housing crisis requires government to explore alternative means of providing shelter to Hawaii's residents.  Large numbers of native Hawaiians are currently without shelter.  Indigenous forms of shelter may be an option for many native Hawaiians as provided under section 46-1.55, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS).  However, only Maui county has amended its building code to allow for the construction of indigenous Hawaiian structures, and no other counties have amended their codes to allow for the construction of indigenous Hawaiian dwellings for residential purposes.

     The purpose of this Act is to require counties to adopt rules pursuant to section 46-1.55, HRS, in a timely manner.

     SECTION 2.  Section 46-1.55, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§46-1.55[]]  Indigenous Hawaiian architecture.  (a)  Each county shall adopt ordinances allowing the exercise of indigenous native Hawaiian architectural practices, styles, customs, techniques, and materials historically employed by native Hawaiians, in the county's building code, 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 it is consistent with the intent and purpose of the uniquely designated, special, or historic district.

     (c)  All counties shall adopt rules to implement this section no later than March 31, 2008.  The rules adopted by Maui County shall serve as a model."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

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