HB1523

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that an innovative approach in encouraging sustainable growth and economic development is to address the issue at the local level. Instead of taking a "top-down" approach where policies and directives are issued from a centralized agency, community-based planning represents an alternative approach that offers communities an opportunity to take the initiative in developing plans that address their unique, individual concerns.

The purpose of this Act is to promote sustainable growth and economic development in Hawaii by establishing the:

(1) Community-based sustainability grants special fund; and

(2) Hawaii community-based sustainability advisory board.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

“Chapter

Community-based Sustainability Grants

§ -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

"Advisory board" means the Hawaii community-based sustainability advisory board.

"Applicant" means a private entity that applies for grant awards under this chapter.

"Office" means the office of planning.

§ -2 Community-based sustainability grants special fund; established. (a) There is established within the state treasury a fund to be known as the community-based sustainability grants special fund and administered by the office.

(b) The community-based sustainability grants special fund shall be funded through legislative appropriations.

(c) Moneys in the community-based sustainability grants special fund shall be used to provide grants for planning and implementation of, and technical assistance for, sustainable development projects at the local community level. Grants shall be awarded as specified in section -3.

§ -3 Application process for grants. (a)

Each applicant for grant moneys shall submit a grant application to the office that includes a sustainability plan.

(b) The office of planning shall develop and implement standards and criteria to determine grant awardees, the amount of each grant awarded, and performance measurements. Priority shall be given to applicants who demonstrate the ability to meet one or more of the following objectives:

(1) Development of a community-based planning process with broad citizen participation, allowing for the input and engagement of local residents;

(2) Protection and preservation of the State's natural resources, including forests, surface and ground water, recreation and open space, and significant historic and archaeological sites;

(3) Support for livable community designs that include integration of all income and age groups, mixed land uses and compact development, affordable housing, green spaces, access to public transit, bicycle and pedestrian ways, renewable energy systems, and enhanced aesthetics and beauty in public space; and

(4) Sustainable economic development strategies that will achieve a balanced distribution of opportunities and growth within the community.

(c) Each county may submit an application for grant awards. As part of its application, each county shall submit a comprehensive sustainable development plan that meets the standards and criteria specified under subsection (b).

§ -4 Hawaii community-based sustainability advisory board. (a) There is established an advisory board to be known as the Hawaii community-based sustainability advisory board, and administratively attached to the office.

(b) The advisory board shall consist of the following members:

(1) Two members appointed by the governor from a list of five individuals nominated by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(2) Two members appointed by the governor from a list of five individuals nominated by the president of the senate;

(3) Two members appointed by the governor from a list of five individuals nominated by the office of Hawaiian affairs;

(4) Two members appointed by the governor from a list of five individuals nominated by the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Manoa; and

(4) The director of the office, or the director's designee.

Each member shall possess at least three years of knowledge of, or experience in, issues relating to community planning or sustainable development.

(c) Each member shall serve for two years and may be reappointed at the end of their term pursuant to the appointment process under subsection (b). The director of the office, or the director's designee, shall be a permanent member of the advisory board.

(d) The director of the office, or the director's designee, shall convene the initial meeting of the advisory board. At the initial meeting, the advisory board shall select from among its members a person to serve as chairperson. Members of the advisory board shall be compensated for travel expenses incurred in the conduct of their duties as advisory board members.

(e) The office, with assistance from the department of business, economic development, and tourism, shall provide administrative assistance to the advisory board. Other state agencies shall provide assistance upon the request of the advisory board.

(f) The advisory board shall:

(1) Upon request by the office, provide assistance in reviewing applications for grant awards under this chapter;

(2) Provide technical assistance to applicants who request

assistance in completing their applications for grant awards under this chapter; and

(3) Provide technical assistance to other entities involved in community-based sustainable development, to the extent practicable."

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008 to be deposited into the community-based sustainability grants special fund.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of budget and finance for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the community-based sustainability grants special fund the sum of $500,000 for fiscal year 2007-2008 to be used for the purposes of the fund.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of planning for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1523
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII