STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1307-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2898

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2898, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement districts within county-designated transit-oriented development zones and a Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board to foster community development by strategically investing in infrastructure improvements.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Community Development Authority, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Maui Chamber of Commerce. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that transit-oriented development promotes development patterns that support quality of life; preserve the natural environment; provide a range of housing choices for residents; and encourage walking, biking, and use of mass transit. However, a major barrier for transit-oriented development is investment in infrastructure improvements such as roads, sewers, water, electrical power lines, communication networks, and storm water management systems. This measure will enable the delivery of infrastructure needed to support transit-oriented development, resulting in the delivery of social, environmental, and economic benefits.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2898, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair