Requesting The Establishment Of A Process For Affordable Housing Projects In The Commission On Water Resource Management To Address Hawaii's Housing Shortage.
Impact
If implemented, this resolution could lead to an expedited permitting procedure that aids in the establishment of affordable housing by ensuring that adequate potable water infrastructure is prioritized. The involvement of a newly formed working group tasked with addressing federal inquiries about permit applications is a notable aspect that indicates the resolution acknowledges existing bottlenecks in the water permitting process. This could imply that housing projects may finally gain access to necessary water resources more rapidly, thereby reducing overall delays in construction and potential growth within the housing market.
Summary
Senate Resolution 152 requests the establishment of a streamlined process by the Commission on Water Resource Management that specifically facilitates the development of affordable housing projects to address the critical housing shortage in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the significant barriers to housing production, particularly the lack of adequate water infrastructure, which is deemed essential for any development. Given that various agencies govern the regulation of water resources, the resolution emphasizes the need for a cohesive permitting process that prioritizes affordable housing over other potential projects.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding the resolution based on concerns about the balance between expedited housing development and environmental regulations governing water resources. Stakeholders may debate how to ensure that while affordable housing initiatives proceed, they do not compromise the regulatory framework intended to protect vital water resources in Hawaii. It remains to be seen how the establishment of the working group and its recommendations would align with existing environmental protections and state regulations.
Same As
Requesting The Establishment Of A Process For Affordable Housing Projects In The Commission On Water Resource Management To Address Hawaii's Housing Shortage.
Requesting The Governor, In Collaboration With The County Of Maui, To Provide A Clear Strategy For Addressing The Short And Long-term Housing Needs For Residents Displaced By The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Requesting The Commission On Water Resource Management To Examine The Allocation Of Water In West Maui And In Emergency Situations Throughout The State.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Moneys In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And To Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Identify The Scope Of Native Hawaiian Cultural Appropriateness For The Purpose Of Addressing Native Hawaiian Disparities.