Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Working Group To Study Accessibility Barriers For Multi-family Housing Not Covered By The Federal Fair Housing Act And Governed By Condominium Associations And Planned Community Associations.
Summary
HCR182 is a nonbinding House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Department of Health to establish a working group to study accessibility barriers in certain multi-family housing developments governed by condominium associations and planned community associations, especially properties not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act. The resolution is framed around the needs of kupuna and residents with disabilities who want to age in place and remain in their homes with dignity and independence.
The working group would be asked to examine the prevalence of disputes over accessibility modifications, how state and federal fair housing requirements interact, whether Hawaii law clearly defines association responsibilities for modifications to common elements, and the potential need for a state matching assistance fund or grant program. It would also assess the costs of such a program under different funding models and the possible long-term savings from avoiding premature institutionalization or displacement.
Impact
Because HCR182 is a concurrent resolution rather than a bill, it does not itself change Hawaii statutes or create new legal obligations. Its practical effect would be to direct the Department of Health to convene a multi-agency working group and produce a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation for the 2027 session. The resolution focuses on condominium and planned community association governance, accessibility accommodations and modifications, aging-in-place policy, and possible future funding mechanisms for accessibility improvements.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is supportive and problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on disability access, elder independence, and reducing avoidable public costs associated with institutional care. The measure presents accessibility barriers as a statewide concern and seeks a collaborative study rather than immediate regulatory change. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or debate in the available record.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are financial and legal. The resolution highlights disputes over whether condominium and planned community associations should install or pay for accessibility improvements, and it asks the working group to clarify the extent of association responsibilities under state law and fair housing rules. Another likely area of disagreement is whether the state should create a matching assistance fund or grant program, including who would qualify, how costs would be shared, and what the annual fiscal impact would be. Association representatives may be concerned about cost burdens, while disability advocates and aging policy stakeholders are likely to support broader access and clearer obligations.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Working Group To Study Accessibility Barriers For Multi-family Housing Not Covered By The Federal Fair Housing Act And Governed By Condominium Associations And Planned Community Associations.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Working Group To Study Accessibility Barriers For Multi-family Housing Not Covered By The Federal Fair Housing Act And Governed By Condominium Associations And Planned Community Associations.
Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Study Of Alternative Insurance Models That May Provide Viable Solutions For Condominium Associations And Condominium Unit Owners In The State.
Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.
Requesting The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Study Of Alternative Insurance Models That May Provide Viable Solutions For Condominium Associations And Condominium Unit Owners In The State.