HB352 would require any state or local government entity in Hawaii that issues building permits to create a self-certification pathway for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems, including solar and energy storage projects. Under that process, permit applications would be treated as approved once the owner or agent gives written notice, the relevant professionals are licensed, and the project is represented as compliant with applicable codes and laws. The bill also allows permit reviews and inspections to be performed using commercially available software and remote “offline field reports” based on photos and videos, with the goal of reducing time, cost, and administrative burden for residential and commercial-scale solar deployment.
The bill further directs permitting entities to exempt certain behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems from FEMA No-Rise/No-Impact declaration requirements when the project is installed on an existing structure, complies with all laws and codes, and does not create additional obstruction in a designated flood zone. It also states that the value of these solar and storage systems may not be included in FEMA flood zone valuation calculations. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB352 would amend Chapter 196, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by adding new statutory requirements governing permitting for distributed solar and storage systems. It would shift some permitting review and inspection functions away from traditional government review toward licensed design professionals using self-certification and remote documentation, and it would impose a 30-day deadline for issuing a permit number and closing the permit when the bill’s conditions are met. It would also limit the application of FEMA-related flood zone declaration requirements for qualifying rooftop or existing-structure solar and storage installations, potentially reducing compliance costs and delays for homeowners, businesses, and installers.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and findings reflect strong support for accelerating renewable energy deployment, lowering permitting barriers, and improving resilience in vulnerable communities. The available context shows no recorded committee discussion or votes, so there is no documented opposition or amendment debate in the materials provided. Based on the text alone, the measure appears to be framed as a pro-solar, pro-streamlining bill with an emphasis on administrative efficiency and cost reduction.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the bill’s reduction of direct government review in favor of self-certification, the acceptance of remote inspections and commercially available software, and the exemption from FEMA No-Rise/No-Impact declaration requirements in flood zones. Supporters would likely view these changes as necessary to speed solar adoption and reduce costs, while critics may worry about code compliance, inspection rigor, floodplain safety, and whether exempting projects from certain FEMA-related processes could create risk or conflict with local permitting practices. The bill’s broad mandate that permitting entities accept professional certifications and close permits within 30 days could also be seen as limiting local discretion.