SCR 8: urging the counties to act on any building permit application for modification of a residence that is prescribed by a licensed health care provider and found by the county to be essential to the safety or health of an older adult or person with a DISABILITY within forty-five days of receipt of a complete application.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging the counties to act on any building permit application for modification of a residence that is prescribed by a licensed health care provider and found by the county to be essential to the safety or health of an older adult or person with a DISABILITY within forty-five days of receipt of a complete application.

     WHEREAS, throughout the State, older adults, those aged sixty-two years of age or older, are currently facing months-long delays in receiving approval for building permit applications for modifications to residences that are needed for safety and independent living; and

     WHEREAS, such modifications often include the installation of ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and other features that enable aging in place and reduce reliance on institutional care; and

     WHEREAS, prolonged delays in permit approvals significantly increase the risk of fall-related injuries, fatalities, and avoidable hospitalizations among older adults, placing additional strain on emergency medical services and health care systems; and

     WHEREAS, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among seniors, with more than two hundred thirteen preventable, fall-related deaths estimated in 2023; and

     WHEREAS, timely approval of building permits for safety‑related home modifications is critical to advancing public health goals, reducing health care costs, and supporting the State's commitment to enabling older adults to age safely and independently in their own homes; and

     WHEREAS, establishing a clear timeline for counties to approve or disapprove building permit applications within forty‑five days of receiving a complete application will promote efficiency, accountability, and equitable access to essential home safety improvements; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that each county is urged to act on any building permit application for modification of a residence that is prescribed by a licensed health care provider and found by the county to be essential to the safety or health of an older adult or person with a disability within forty-five days of the receipt of a complete application; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Mayors of each county, Director of the Hawaii County Department of Public Works, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu, County Engineer of the Kauai County Department of Public Works, and Director of the Maui County Department of Public Works.

Report Title: 

Kupuna Caucus; Counties; Building Permit Applications; Expedited Processing; Residence Modifications; Older Adults; Persons with Disabilities