Hawaii Senate Bill SB28

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Ix, Section 5, Of The Hawaii State Constitution, To Require The State To Produce Enough Housing To Meet Demand.

Impact

By amending the state constitution to require housing production in line with demand, SB28 positions the state as a more active player in housing development, which could empower local governments and agencies to take more concerted actions in regulating housing development and slum clearance. This proposal could lead to expanded public housing initiatives and reforms in zoning laws that may facilitate new housing projects, thereby improving the overall housing landscape in Hawaii. However, it also raises questions about the state's capacity to handle such responsibilities effectively and efficiently while maintaining local community input and considerations.

Summary

Senate Bill 28 (SB28) proposes a significant amendment to Article IX, Section 5 of the Hawaii State Constitution, mandating that the State provide sufficient housing to meet public demand. This legislative initiative aims to address the ongoing housing crisis in Hawaii by codifying the responsibility of the state to ensure a robust housing supply. The bill suggests that the legislature is to establish standards and criteria for achieving this goal, potentially streamlining processes for housing development and rehabilitation. The initiative represents a proactive step towards resolving an issue that has longstanding implications for residents across the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions around the implications of state control over local housing regulations. Critics might argue that such state-level mandates could overpower local governments' autonomy in addressing specific housing needs. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the distribution of resources and how the state will prioritize different regions' housing demands, particularly in a state with diverse economic variances. As the bill moves through legislative processes, it is likely to face scrutiny regarding how effectively it can balance state authority with local governance while fulfilling its stated objective to meet housing demands.