Hawaii Senate Bill SR11

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/8/22

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution highlights the dire implications of the current water supply issues on housing development. With a declaration of a water shortage in areas such as Upcountry Maui during late 2021, concerns about the adequacy of water resources amid ongoing droughts have intensified. The study is expected to examine various aspects, including natural and artificial water sources, existing infrastructure, and projected water use to assess the County's capability to support expanded affordable housing construction.

Summary

Senate Resolution 11, introduced in the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, is a measure aimed at addressing the critical housing crisis in the state, particularly in Maui County. The resolution calls for the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Commission on Water Resource Management to conduct a thorough study on the availability of both potable and non-potable water resources necessary for developing affordable housing. The urgency of this study stems from the state's need for an estimated fifty-seven thousand affordable housing units by the year 2025, as previous efforts have only met a fraction of the demand for low-income households.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SR11 revolves around balancing the urgent housing needs of the community with the sustainable management of water resources. While proponents argue that understanding water capacity is essential for enabling new housing projects, there are concerns about how future developments might impact local ecosystems and existing residents. Moreover, the resolution emphasizes the importance of consulting the community and relevant stakeholders throughout the study in order to foster transparency and collective agreement on water management and housing strategies.