Requesting The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Convene A Task Force To Review The Permitting Process Related To Affordable Housing And Conduct A Study Of The Effect Of County Ordinances On Housing Finance And Development.
Impact
If approved, SCR161 would facilitate a comprehensive examination of the barriers posed by county-level regulations on housing development. It aims to identify the inconsistencies in the permitting processes across various state agencies involved in housing development. By streamlining these processes and addressing ordinances that hinder development, the task force could enhance the efficiency of creating new affordable housing units. The bill emphasizes a collaborative approach by including representatives from multiple agencies to provide a more unified strategy in addressing the housing crisis.
Summary
SCR161, introduced in the 2022 legislative session, addresses Hawaii's severe housing shortage by requesting the formation of a task force led by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The purpose of this task force is to review the existing permitting processes related to affordable housing and to investigate how county ordinances affect the financing and development of housing in Hawaii. This response is necessitated by reports indicating the state needs significantly more affordable housing units to meet the rising demands of its residents, as evidenced by high homelessness rates and prior estimates from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR161 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers who recognize the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in Hawaii. Stakeholders understand that the state is in a housing crisis, prompting this proactive measure to facilitate discussions and explore reforms. However, potential contention may arise from local government entities concerned about state-level interventions that could diminish local control over housing development regulations.
Contention
Key points of contention regarding SCR161 may focus on how the proposed task force could address amendments to existing laws, particularly Chapter 201H of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. While the intention is to streamline the permitting process, there may be debates on proposed changes that could shift the balance of authority between state and county governance, as local jurisdictions might feel that their regulatory authority is being undermined. Additionally, ensuring that at least sixty percent of new housing units remain affordable is a significant issue that could evoke diverse opinions on feasibility and practicality.
Same As
Requesting The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Convene A Task Force On Affordable Housing Permitting And To Conduct A Study Of County Ordinances On Housing Finance And Development.
Urging The Counties To Amend Or Adopt Ordinances To Be Consistent With The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation's Rules Regarding Residential Income Requirements And Affordability Terms On Housing Projects Or Subsidize Any Resulting Revenue Shortfall To The Housing Project.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Monies In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.