Summary of SCR 206 (2025)
Purpose and intent
SCR 206 is a concurrent resolution urging four state entities—the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii, and the Land Use Commission—to implement an enhanced public notice process for changes in land use or boundary changes. The resolution emphasizes greater transparency in the state’s land-use and development decisions, aiming to improve community awareness of project impacts on health and safety, culture, wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment. It cites past protests (e.g., Kahuku wind farm, Thirty Meter Telescope) as examples of the consequences of insufficient public involvement.
Key provisions
If adopted, SCR 206 requests each of the following to provide enhanced public notice:
- Timing: Notice should be provided within 30 days of the filing of a permit application.
- Public engagement: The notice should include at least three public meetings or hearings.
- Notice method: Notice should be disseminated via:
- Newspaper publication
- Mail to affected residents
- Posting on the respective department or agency website
Additionally, the resolution directs that certified copies be transmitted to:
- Director of Hawaiian Home Lands
- Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources
- President of the University of Hawaii
- Chair of the Land Use Commission
Affected entities
- Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
- Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
- University of Hawaii (UH)
- Land Use Commission (LUC)
The measure engages these agencies in adopting or confirming enhanced notice practices associated with land use changes and boundary changes.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: March 7, 2025
- Status: Referred to WTL/GVO (Water, Land, and Ocean Resources; Government Operations and Consumer Protection; or similar committee designations in the Hawaii Legislature)
- Legislative actions:
- 2025-03-07: Offered
- 2025-03-12: Referred to WTL/GVO
- Related legislation: SR 181 (companion bill)
Potential impact
- Increased transparency and public participation in land-use decisions.
- More structured and accessible notice for residents and communities potentially affected by boundary or land-use changes.
- Potential timeline and administrative requirements for agencies to implement enhanced notice practices, including additional public meetings.
- Non-binding: As a concurrent resolution, SCR 206 expresses the Legislature’s position and directs agencies to consider these enhanced notice practices rather than mandating new statutory requirements. Implementation would depend on agency action and potential future legislation.
Summary
SCR 206 seeks to improve public notice around land-use and boundary-change decisions by requiring notice within 30 days of permit filing, at least three public meetings, and multi-channel dissemination (newspaper, mail to affected residents, and agency websites). It underscores transparency and community input to mitigate conflicts and protests associated with development projects.
