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SCR 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 Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii resolution urges counties to approve disability-related home modification permits within 45 days for older adults and disabled residents when prescribed by licensed healthcare providers.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 842).
#buildingpermitapplications #counties #expeditedprocessing #kupunacaucus #olderadults #personswithdisabilities #residencemodifications
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Bill Summary · SCR 8

Legislative bill overview

SCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaii counties to expedite building permit processing for home modifications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers that are deemed essential for safety or health of older adults or persons with disabilities. The bill requests counties process these applications within 45 days of receiving a complete application, rather than following standard permit timelines.

Why is this important

Lengthy permit delays can prevent elderly residents and people with disabilities from accessing necessary home modifications (ramps, grab bars, accessible bathrooms, etc.) that directly affect their safety and independence. Accelerated processing could enable vulnerable populations to age in place safely and reduce fall-related injuries and hospitalizations. However, implementation depends entirely on voluntary county compliance since this is a resolution, not binding legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforceability concerns: As a concurrent resolution, this urges rather than mandates county action, leaving compliance voluntary and potentially inconsistent across counties
  • Resource capacity: Counties with understaffed permit departments may struggle to meet 45-day deadlines without additional funding or staffing allocations
  • Definition ambiguity: "Essential to safety or health" and which healthcare providers qualify lack precise definition, potentially creating disputes over permit eligibility and county interpretation standards

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

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