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HCR 8

URGING THE COUNTIES TO ACT ON ANY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION FOR MODIFICATION OF A RESIDENCE THAT IS PRESCRIBED BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FOUND BY THE COUNTY TO BE ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFETY OR HEALTH OF AN OLDER ADULT OR PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WITHIN FORTY-FIVE DAYS OF RECEIPT OF A COMPLETE APPLICATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 30 co-sponsors

Hawaii urges counties to approve medical home modification permits for elderly and disabled residents within 45 days of complete application submission, though the recommendation is non-binding.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 531).
#buildingpermitapplications #counties #expeditedprocessing #kupunacaucus #olderadults #personswithdisabilities #residencemodifications
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Bill Summary · HCR 8

Legislative bill overview

HCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii counties to process building permit applications for medical modifications to residences (such as wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, or safety equipment) within 45 days when prescribed by a licensed health care provider and deemed essential for an older adult or person with a disability. The bill does not create enforceable law but serves as a non-binding recommendation to county governments.

Why is this important

Delays in permit processing for medical home modifications can significantly impact quality of life and safety for elderly and disabled individuals who need accessibility improvements. A 45-day timeline could reduce bureaucratic wait times that currently may extend months, allowing vulnerable populations faster access to necessary safety features. This addresses practical barriers to independent living and aging in place.

Potential points of contention

  • Non-binding nature: As a resolution rather than legislation, it carries no enforcement mechanism; counties may ignore the recommendation without legal consequence
  • Implementation burden: Counties may argue 45 days is insufficient time for thorough review, particularly for complex modifications requiring structural engineering assessment
  • Definition ambiguity: Terms like "essential to safety or health" and what constitutes a qualified "licensed health care provider" lack precise definition, potentially creating disputes over which modifications qualify
  • Resource constraints: Smaller counties with limited permitting staff may struggle to meet the timeline without additional funding or staffing

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

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