HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
98
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING the department of housing and land management of the city and county of honolulu to develop a COUNTYWIDE housing pattern book to streamline permit approvals and reduce regulatory barriers for safe, affordable, and well-designed homes.
WHEREAS, the State faces a severe housing shortage that has made homeownership and stable housing increasingly out of reach for many residents; and
WHEREAS, increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and community‑compatible housing remains a statewide priority, but production is often slowed by complex permitting processes, inconsistent design standards, and regulatory barriers that add cost and delay; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully designed housing contributes to dignity, stability, and well-being, and the quality of the built environment, including attractive homes and walkable neighborhoods, can positively affect physical and mental health and support thriving communities; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii has a rich tradition of climate‑responsive architecture, including lanais, natural cross-ventilation, shading, and indoor‑outdoor living elements that are well suited to local conditions and culture; and
WHEREAS, a housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential designs that comply with applicable codes can reduce design costs, expedite permitting, and accelerate housing production while maintaining safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
WHEREAS, similar programs in places such as New South Wales, Australia, and Los Angeles, California, have demonstrated that pre‑approved housing designs can successfully accelerate construction of accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise housing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to develop a countywide housing pattern book containing pre‑reviewed residential building designs that comply with applicable building codes and best practices for safety, affordability, resilience, and architectural quality; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to:
(1) Include designs suitable for a range of housing types, including accessory dwelling units and low‑ and mid‑rise multifamily buildings; and
(2) Incorporate culturally appropriate and climate‑responsive design elements that promote healthy and attractive living environments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to include a design competition to attract innovative and high‑quality designs for inclusion in the housing pattern book; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in developing the housing pattern book, the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to collaborate with county planning departments, architects, builders, energy‑efficiency experts, public health professionals, and community stakeholders; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the housing pattern book is requested to be made publicly available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu is requested to provide streamlined permitting for projects utilizing approved pattern‑book designs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Director of the Department of Housing and Land Management of the City and County of Honolulu, and Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu.
OFFERED BY:
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Report Title:
City and County of Honolulu; Housing Pattern Book; Streamlined Permitting