Hawaii Senate Bill SR203

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Passed: 4/7/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Submit A Report To The Legislature On The Barriers To Creating Affordable Housing In The State.

Impact

The resolution aims to facilitate changes in policies and definitions related to affordable housing within Hawaii. It stresses the need for updated methodologies in determining housing costs relative to income, noting that current formulas are outdated and fail to accurately reflect the realities of high living expenses. It discusses how affordability is generally assessed as a percentage of area median income and how existing guidelines can lead to absurd situations where homes priced over a million dollars qualify as 'affordable'. By prompting a thorough examination of these factors, the resolution seeks to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable housing market for residents.

Summary

Senate Resolution 203 requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism of Hawaii to submit a report to the Legislature addressing the barriers to creating affordable housing in the state. The resolution highlights the severe shortage of affordable housing in Hawaii, asserting that many residents struggle to afford housing based on prevailing wages, as evidenced by statistics indicating that a minimum wage employee must work over one hundred hours each week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental. The broad intent of the resolution is to reassess and redefine what constitutes 'affordable housing' in the state, considering the high cost of living and various other economic factors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR203 appears supportive, emphasizing the necessity of tackling affordable housing issues as a fundamental aspect of community development and economic stability. Proponents see the request for a detailed report as a proactive step toward identifying and overcoming systemic barriers that limit housing availability. However, the resolution also reflects broader debates over housing policy in Hawaii, especially regarding different perspectives on treating housing as a basic necessity versus an investment opportunity. This duality encapsulates the ongoing tensions between economic interests and the need for accessible housing.

Contention

Notably, the resolution calls on government agencies and advocacy organizations to collaborate in preparing the report. This aspect highlights potential contention regarding the involvement of various stakeholders in shaping housing policy recommendations. While some may view this collaborative approach positively, others may concern themselves with the outcome of recommended legislative changes, particularly about how they might impact the housing market and local governance. The resolution implies a need for a balanced approach that addresses housing as a human right while also considering economic implications.