Hawaii House Bill HCR184

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Revise The Prioritization And Evaluation And Ranking Criteria For Its Allocation Of Low-income Housing Tax Credits And Awards From The Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Impact

The resolution proposes significant changes to how low-income housing projects are evaluated and funded in Hawaii. By suggesting a revision to the prioritization and evaluation criteria for housing tax credits, HCR184 aims to ensure that public funds are used more effectively to support projects that will remain affordable over time. The emphasis on state ownership or State-associated organizations could lead to greater oversight and accountability, potentially benefiting low-income residents who struggle to find housing in an increasingly expensive market. Additionally, it suggests that non-state developers must reinvest profits back into housing to receive further support, which might change the financial dynamics of housing developments in the state.

Summary

HCR184 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to amend the criteria used for allocating low-income housing tax credits and funds from the rental housing revolving fund. The intention of this resolution is to prioritize the development of projects that are either owned by the State or have a clear obligation to use financial surpluses for constructing additional housing, thereby addressing the ongoing housing crisis in Hawaii. This resolution reflects a push toward increasing the supply of affordable housing and making the tax credit system more effective in facilitating long-term housing development.

Contention

While HCR184 aims to enhance the ability of the State to control affordable housing, it may also face contention regarding the feasibility and effects on private developers. Critics may argue that incentivizing state ownership or imposing constraints on profit use could deter private investment in the housing sector, leading to a decrease in overall housing development. Additionally, there could be concerns about how these new criteria would be implemented and whether they might inadvertently complicate the application process, potentially delaying housing projects that are already critical. The balance between public interest in affordable housing and private sector participation will be a key factor in the discussions surrounding this resolution.