Blog HB 742 (HD1)/SB 489

State-funded Environmental Review in TOD Districts

Feb. 11, 2025

HB Status as of 2/11/25:

This bill has passed out of its first committee (EEP) with amendments however, was deferred by the House WAL committee. This bill is dead.

SB Status as of 2/14/25:

This bill was not scheduled a hearing by the Senate WTL committee before the first lateral deadline. This bill is dead.

Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Supports This Bill:

The Environmental Review Process is a vitally necessary and costly part of building more homes. With much of our new housing targeted to Transit Oriented Development districts, the required environmental review could be streamlined if completed by the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority for the entire TOD districts of Iwilei/Kapālama and U.H. West Oʻahu.

Any housing projects within those districts would be included in the Environmental Impact Statement completed for the entire district, rather than each individual project needing to complete their own EIS, adding to building costs.

Bill Description:

  • Requires the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority to prepare environmental impact statements for the Iwilei/Kapalama and University of Hawaiʻi West Oahu transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement districts on the island of Oahu.

This page will be updated periodically throughout the legislative session. For the most up-to-date status, please visit the bill's page on the Hawai'i State Legislature's website.