HCDA warns legislation requiring 'complete communities' could hamper planning; committee advances bill with amendments

Senate Bill 3,327, which would require the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to plan for “complete communities” that include amenities and infrastructure to support quality of life, was advanced with amendments and referral to the Ways and Means Committee after agency comments and committee discussion.

HCDA told the joint committees it understands the bill’s intent but urged caution. The agency said many of the bill’s prescriptions—parks, open space, flexible parking and commercial leasing strategies—are typically determined through community planning and outreach and that mandating specific elements in statute could increase project costs and cause delays. HCDA described the measure as aspirational and recommended retaining planning flexibility.

Committee members pressed HCDA about how existing area rules and past Kaka'ako development informed its views. HCDA said it has revised area rules to remove parking minimums in some districts and is pursuing district parking and transit hub options (Lot C) to address parking needs regionally. Legislators said the bill seeks to codify best practices used elsewhere and asked HCDA to explore innovative financing that might lower taxpayer costs.

The committees adopted amendments to clarify parking minimum language and set defective dates to enable further conversations; the chair recommended sending the bill to Ways and Means for additional budget and implementation discussion.

Next steps: SB 3,327 advances with amendments to Committee on Ways and Means for further fiscal and implementation review.