HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2073
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to affordable temporary housing.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the supply of affordable housing in Hawaii is insufficient to meet demand. Alongside the current population of those without homes, many residents are financially vulnerable to becoming homeless. According to a recent survey, the homeless population is currently at 6,448 people in 2019.

However, recent estimates according to the lieutenant governor's office indicates it could be as high as 12,000 on a given night. Relying on the subsidies from the government will not eliminate the affordable housing shortage in the foreseeable future. As such, there is a need to implement temporary housing solutions for the immediate future.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to allow property owners the ability to lease yard space or driveway space to campers and recreational camping vehicles, as a temporary solution to the homeless crisis.

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

"§46- Exemptions to zoning ordinances for temporary residential structures. There shall be an exemption from zoning ordinances allowing owners of property the right to lease yard or driveway space for temporary residential purposes, enabling lessees to camp in a temporary structure on a property owner's yard, or a vehicle designed for camping on a property owner's driveway unless the lease:

(1) Would violate any health or safety regulations;

(2) Would violate any private agreements, covenants or easements; or

(3) Affects lands deemed subject to seasonable, periodic, or occasional flooding as these lands shall not be used for residence or other purposes in a manner which would endanger the health and safety of the occupants thereof, as required by the Federal Flood Insurance Act of 1956 (chapter 1025, Public Law 1016)."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Temporary Housing; Affordable Housing; Exemption

Description:

Allows property owners to temporarily lease space to individuals to camp or otherwise occupy space on the property, so long as no health and safety ordinances are violated.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.