Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Commission On Water Resource Management To Conduct A Study On Water Resources For The Development Of Affordable Housing.
If enacted, SCR17 will prompt the Commission on Water Resource Management to assess natural and artificial water sources, the infrastructure for water distribution, and current and projected water usage for residential development in Maui County. This study is intended to determine whether there is sufficient water capacity to support an expansion of affordable housing developments while considering ongoing challenges such as drought and water shortages that have previously affected the region.
SCR17 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Commission on Water Resource Management to conduct a comprehensive study on the availability of potable and non-potable water in Maui County. The resolution recognizes an urgent need for affordable housing in the region, citing that the state faces a housing crisis requiring an additional fifty-seven thousand affordable housing units by 2025. This bill arises from the acknowledgment that previous housing needs have not been adequately met, particularly for low-income residents who have limited access to affordable housing.
SCR17 aims to bridge the critical link between housing availability and water resource management in Maui County. Its passage could pave the way for informed legislative actions to address the dual challenges of an impending housing crisis and water supply constraints, all while engaging the community in the evaluation process.
Debates surrounding SCR17 may revolve around concerns regarding the capacity of existing water resources to meet the expanding housing demands of Maui County. Stakeholders may express differing views on the prioritization of water resource management versus housing development. Furthermore, the necessity for community engagement in the study process could lead to discussions about transparency and local input in decision-making for future housing developments.