Bill Text: HI SR22 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Resolution 22 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Regarding Designating, Dissolving, Or Transferring Certain Community Development Districts Under The Hawaii Community Development Authority.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-04-05 - Report and Resolution Adopted. [SR22 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2018-SR22-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	22
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the legislative reference bureau to conduct a study regarding designating, dissolving, or transferring certain community development districts under the Hawaii community development authority.

WHEREAS, the East Kapolei Neighborhood transit-oriented development plan for approval by the City Council of the City and County of Honolulu presents a very unique opportunity to create a sustainable, responsible, and integrated community for Oahu; and

WHEREAS, the goal of the East Kapolei Neighborhood transit-oriented development plan is to foster more livable communities that take full advantage of the benefits of transit by specifically reducing transportation costs for residents, businesses, and workers; and

WHEREAS, the proposed transit-oriented development site, which is located along the proposed rail transit line to connect Downtown Honolulu with the East Kapolei region, Ho�opili, University of Hawai�i West Oahu, and East Kapolei stations, is envisioned to provide a series of transportation options for residents, workers, and visitors; and

WHEREAS, in order to create the neighborhood that the East Kapolei Neighborhood transit-oriented development plan envisions, development of new infrastructure and retrofitting of existing infrastructure are necessary in the East Kapolei area; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii Community Development Authority was established to meet the vast community development needs of providing suitable affordable housing, sufficient commercial and industrial facilities for rent, residential areas that have facilities necessary for basic liveability, such as parks and open space, and areas that are planned for mixed uses; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii Community Development Authority manages three community development districts, including the Kakaako Community Development District, Kalaeloa Community Development District, and Heeia Community Development District; and

WHEREAS, these community development districts are designated by statute as areas dedicated for replanning, renewal, or redevelopment; and

WHEREAS, after the designation, the Hawaii Community Development Authority is required to develop a community development plan, which includes community development guidance policies, a district-wide improvement program, and community development rules; and

WHEREAS, if designated as a community development district, the East Kapolei area would benefit greatly from a community development plan that would enable the East Kapolei Neighborhood transit-oriented development plan to more efficiently and effectively come to fruition; and

WHEREAS, furthermore, after finding that the Kakaako area is of economic importance to the State, the Legislature designated the Kakaako Community Development District to preserve and enhance the value and potential of the area; and

WHEREAS, however, since 1976, when the Kakaako Community Development District was established by law, the Kakaako area has gone through extensive replanning, renewal, and redevelopment, including plans to allow for development along the proposed rail transit line; and

WHEREAS, this extensive redevelopment causes further discussion as to whether a community development district designation continues to be necessary for the Kakaako area; and

WHEREAS, lastly, the Heeia Community Development District was established to develop culturally appropriate agriculture, education, and natural resource restoration and management of the Heeia wetlands; and

WHEREAS, however, the cultural and natural resources protection purposes of establishing the community development district may conflict with the purposes of the Hawaii Community Development Authority to provide affordable housing and areas planned for mixed uses; and

WHEREAS, thus, this body finds that the cultural and natural resources protection purposes for which the Heeia Community Development District was established may be better fulfilled by a state agency other than the Hawaii Community Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, a study is necessary to assess and analyze the existing community development districts and the designation of any new community development districts under the Hawaii Community Development Authority to ensure the goals and purposes of the Authority and the several community development districts are met; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2018, that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to conduct a study regarding designating, dissolving, or transferring certain community development districts under the Hawaii Community Development Authority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study:

(1) Assess and analyze the impact of designating a community development district for East Kapolei;

(2) Assess and analyze the impact of dissolving the Kakaako Community Development District; and

(3) Determine the feasibility of transferring the Heeia Community Development District to the jurisdiction of a state agency other than the Hawaii Community Development Authority and, if a transfer is feasible, identify the alternative state agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2019; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau.