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SCR 97

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING NOT COVERED BY THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT AND GOVERNED BY CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AND PLANNED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii requests health department study of accessibility barriers in condos and planned communities outside federal Fair Housing Act coverage to inform potential state policy solutions.

Offered.
#accessibility #condominiumassociations #dcca #doh #disabilityandcommunicationaccessboard #executiveofficeonaging #hawaiicivilrightscommission #plannedcommunityassociations #study
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Bill Summary · SCR 97

Legislative bill overview

SCR 97 requests that Hawaii's Department of Health establish a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing (condominiums and planned communities) that fall outside federal Fair Housing Act protections. The bill aims to identify gaps in accessibility requirements and examine how homeowner associations currently handle accessibility issues for residents with disabilities.

Why is this important

Many condo and planned community residents with disabilities face practical barriers to accessibility that may not be addressed by federal law, including common area design, parking, entryways, and amenities controlled by associations. This study could inform future state policy or legislation to improve housing accessibility for Hawaii residents, addressing a population segment that currently has limited recourse for accessibility complaints.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: Establishing a working group requires state resources, and any resulting recommendations could impose compliance costs on existing associations and homeowners through renovations or policy changes
  • Association autonomy vs. disability rights: Condo and planned community associations may resist state involvement in their governance, viewing accessibility mandates as infringement on property owner decision-making and financial control
  • Scope limitations: The study focuses only on barriers not covered by federal law, leaving unclear whether recommendations would apply retroactively to existing structures or only to new construction, and how enforcement would work

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

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