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Committee keeps historic-site triggers and advances HP1650 after detailed questions about Waikiki exemptions
Summary
The committee approved HP1650 after debate over whether removing the Waikiki Special District from Chapter 343 review would eliminate environmental review for projects; House Draft 1 preserves historic-site triggers and staff clarified that other state/county triggers still require review.
HP1650 would change which projects in the Waikiki Special District trigger state environmental review under Chapter 343. Tom Eisen of the Office of Planning's Environmental Review Program explained that House Draft 1 restores the historic‑site trigger and that other triggers such as state lands or state funds would still require review.
Representative Iwamoto and others probed whether removing the Waikiki Special District trigger would allow private projects — including seawalls or other shoreline work — to avoid environmental assessment or EIS requirements. Office of Planning staff said projects with other triggers (state funding, state lands, shoreline setbacks, SMA triggers) would still be subject to Chapter 343. Members expressed reservations about coastal flood risks and public notice; the committee recommended HP1650 to pass as amended, noting reservations from several members.
