Bill > SB713

This bill temporarily moves the Office of Planning from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to the Office of the Governor, with the goal of improving statewide planning and coordination. The Director of the Office of Planning will now report directly to the Governor and is required to conduct an annual review of the office's operations, submitting the findings to the Governor and Legislature. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Office of Planning to hire two temporary positions, funded by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), to support transit-oriented development planning and coordination efforts, which involves working with various state and local agencies to promote smart growth, walkable communities, and efficient transportation.