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.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which are not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, analyze how current laws define responsibilities for common area improvements, and assess the impact of these barriers on residents' ability to age in place. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, housing authorities, and senior advocacy groups, and will evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The Department of Health is required to submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.