Bill
SCR 163
SCR163 asks Hawaii counties to adopt flexible setback rules or variances for state buildings to boost land-use efficiency and improve public service delivery.
SCR163 Summary – Hawaii Concurrent Resolution
Overview
- SCR163 is a concurrent resolution in the Hawaii Legislature that requests the counties to adopt flexible setback requirements or establish variance procedures specifically for state buildings and facilities, with the aim of boosting land use efficiency and improving public service delivery. A companion measure exists in the Senate as SR132.
Purpose and Intent
- The bill acknowledges that setback requirements (minimum distances between structures and property lines) serve safety, privacy, and aesthetic goals, but argues that uniform setbacks may constrain the State’s ability to develop or renovate public buildings efficiently.
- It notes that other jurisdictions have implemented flexible setback policies or variances to accommodate public buildings, potentially enabling greater density and better use of public resources.
- The resolution seeks to enable state facilities to be more appropriately sized and located to enhance public service delivery.
Key Provisions
- Operative language: The counties are requested to adopt flexible setback requirements or establish variance procedures specifically for state buildings and facilities.
- Purpose of the provisions: To promote land use efficiency and improve public service delivery.
- Transmission requirement: Certified copies of SCR163 should be transmitted to the mayors and chairs of the county councils of Kauai, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), and the City and County of Honolulu.
Affected Parties
- Primary: County governments (Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, and City and County of Honolulu) and state buildings/facilities.
- The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request or expression of legislative intent rather than imposing new law.
Procedural History and Timeline
- Introduced: March 7, 2025.
- Committee actions: Referred to relevant committees in both chambers; hearings held with approvals noted in EIG (Energy, Intergovernmental, and General Affairs) and GVO (Government Operations) committees.
- Final actions: Adopted in final form on April 16, 2025.
- Status: Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 742) and transmitted to the Senate; concurrent resolution.
- Related measures: SR132 (companion bill in the Senate).
Implications and Considerations
- Legal effect: As a concurrent resolution, SCR163 is a non-binding expression of legislative support and guidance, not a statute or binding mandate.
- Policy impact: May influence county planning policies by encouraging more flexible setback standards or established variance procedures for state facilities, potentially enabling more efficient use of public land and improved service delivery.
- Implementation considerations: Counties would need to assess local zoning codes and development review processes to determine how best to implement flexible setbacks or variances for state projects; potential considerations include safety, building codes, and community character.
Notes
- Report Title: County; Counties; Setback.
- Companion/similar measure: SR132 (Senate companion).
- Distribution: Copies to mayors and chairs of the county councils for the named counties.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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