HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	968
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AFFORDABLE TEMPORARY HOUSING.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the supply of affordable housing in Hawaii is insufficient to meet demand.  Alongside the current population of those without homes, many residents are financially vulnerable to becoming homeless. According to a recent survey, the homeless population has increased by four per cent from 2015 to 2016.  This translates into over 4,900 homeless people on Oahu and over 7,600 across Hawaii as a whole.

     Relying on the subsidies from the government will not eliminate the affordable housing shortage in the foreseeable future.  As such, there is a need to implement temporary housing solutions for the immediate future.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to give property owners the ability to lease yard space or driveway space to campers and recreational camping vehicles, as a temporary solution to the homeless crisis.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§46-    Exemptions to zoning ordinances for temporary residential structures.  There shall be an exemption from zoning ordinances to allow owners of property the right to lease yard or driveway space for temporary residential purposes, enabling lessees to camp in a temporary structure on a property owner's yard or a vehicle designed for camping on a property owner's driveway, unless the lease:

     (1)  Would violate any health or safety regulations;

     (2)  Would violate any private agreements, covenants, or easements; or

     (3)  Affects lands deemed subject to seasonable, periodic, or occasional flooding as these lands shall not be used for residence or other purposes in a manner which would endanger the health and safety of the occupants thereof, as required by the Federal Flood Insurance Act of 1956 (chapter 1025, Public Law 1016)."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon a date to be determined.

 

 

Report Title:

Homelessness; Exemptions from Zoning Ordinances

 

Description:

Gives property owners the ability to lease yard space or driveway space for temporary residential purposes, subject to certain conditions, including allowing lessees to camp in a temporary structure on a property owner's yard or a vehicle designed for camping on a property owner's driveway.  (HB968 HD1)

 

 

 

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