If any project or any part thereof requires a certificate of need from the state health planning and development agency, no application shall be made to the department for assistance pursuant to part II, chapter 39A, HRS, nor shall the department take any action with respect to any application unless and until the state health planning and development agency issues a final decision awarding a certificate of need or an exemption from certificate of need requirements to the project party for the project or part thereof.
Haw. Code R. § 6-4-14