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HCR98
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
98
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING the department of housing and land management
of the city and county of honolulu to develop a COUNTYWIDE housing pattern book
to streamline permit approvals and reduce regulatory barriers for safe,
affordable, and well-designed homes
.
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WHEREAS, the
State faces a severe housing shortage that has made homeownership and stable
housing increasingly out of reach for many residents; and
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WHEREAS, increasing
the supply of safe, affordable, and community‑compatible housing remains
a statewide priority, but production is often slowed by complex permitting
processes, inconsistent design standards, and regulatory barriers that add cost
and delay; and
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WHEREAS, thoughtfully
designed housing contributes to dignity, stability, and well-being, and the
quality of the built environment, including attractive homes and walkable
neighborhoods, can positively affect physical and mental health and support
thriving communities; and
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WHEREAS, Hawaii
has a rich tradition of climate‑responsive architecture, including
lanais, natural cross-ventilation, shading, and indoor‑outdoor living
elements that are well suited to local conditions and culture; and
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WHEREAS, a
housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential designs that
comply with applicable codes can reduce design costs, expedite permitting, and
accelerate housing production while maintaining safety, affordability,
resilience, and architectural quality; and
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WHEREAS, similar
programs in places such as New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles,
California, have demonstrated that pre‑approved housing designs can
successfully accelerate construction of accessory dwelling units and low‑
and mid‑rise housing; now, therefore,
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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the
Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is
requested to develop a countywide housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed
residential building designs that comply with applicable building codes and
best practices for safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality;
and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to:
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(1)
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Include designs suitable for a range of
housing types, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise
multifamily buildings; and
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(2)
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Incorporate culturally appropriate and climate‑responsive
design elements that promote healthy and attractive living environments; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and
County of Honolulu is requested to include a design competition to attract
innovative and high‑quality designs for inclusion in the housing pattern
book; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that, in developing the housing pattern book, the Department of
Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to collaborate
with county planning departments, architects, builders, energy‑efficiency
experts, public health professionals, and community stakeholders; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to be made publicly
available; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County
of Honolulu is requested to provide streamlined permitting for projects
utilizing approved pattern‑book designs; and
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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Director of the Department of Housing
and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu, and Director of the
Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.
OFFERED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
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City
and County of Honolulu; Housing Pattern Book; Streamlined Permitting