WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

GM 1419

Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB830 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 306).

2025 Regular Session

Act 306 streamlines historic preservation reviews in Hawaii, allowing third-party consultants to expedite approvals, boosting housing and infrastructure development.

Received.
#act306
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · GM 1419

Summary of Bill GM 1419: Informing the Legislature of Act 306

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: GM 1419
  • Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB830 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 306).
  • Status: Received
  • Introduced: July 08, 2025
  • Classification: Proclamation
  • Subject: Act 306

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1419 is to inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law Act 306, which relates to historic preservation reviews. The intent of Act 306 is to streamline the review process for state projects that may affect historic properties, burial sites, and aviation artifacts, thereby addressing the backlog and delays that currently hinder housing and infrastructure development in the state.

Key Provisions of Act 306

  1. Historic Preservation Review Process:

    • State agencies must submit projects that may impact historic properties to the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) for review before project approval.
    • The SHPD has been experiencing significant delays due to a high volume of submissions, leading to a backlog of 6 months to 1 year.

  2. Engagement of Third-Party Consultants:

    • Act 306 authorizes the SHPD to contract third-party consultants to assist in the review of proposed state projects under certain conditions.
    • This measure aims to expedite the review process, allowing for more timely approvals of housing and infrastructure projects.

  3. Amendments to Hawaii Revised Statutes:

    • The bill amends Section 6E-8 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, detailing the review process for proposed state projects affecting historic properties.
    • The SHPD must provide written concurrence or non-concurrence within 90 days of a request.
    • If the SHPD cannot meet this timeline, a qualified third-party consultant may be retained to conduct the review, with a recommendation due within 30 days of their engagement.

  4. Conditions for Third-Party Engagement:

    • The use of third-party consultants is contingent upon the SHPD's inability to provide timely reviews and the qualifications of the consultants.
    • The SHPD retains the right to terminate contracts with consultants who do not comply with state historic preservation laws.

Impact of the Bill

  • Affected Parties:

    • State agencies and project applicants seeking to develop housing and infrastructure projects will benefit from a more efficient review process.
    • The SHPD will be able to focus on core historical reviews while delegating certain responsibilities to qualified third-party consultants.

  • Housing and Infrastructure Development:

    • By streamlining the review process, Act 306 aims to alleviate the housing crisis in Hawaii by reducing delays in project approvals, potentially leading to an increase in the availability of housing units.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was signed into law by the Governor on July 8, 2025, and has been formally communicated to the legislature.
  • The implementation of the provisions outlined in Act 306 will begin following the signing and will require coordination between state agencies and the SHPD.

In summary, GM 1419 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 306, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of historic preservation reviews in Hawaii, thereby facilitating critical housing and infrastructure projects.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.