Hawaii Senate Bill SB1467

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Housing.

Impact

By appropriating $2 million for the planning and design of the new housing units, SB1467 is poised to significantly impact local housing availability. It is projected that the new project will create approximately one hundred fourteen housing units in total, which would help meet the rising demand for affordable housing in the area. This plan aligns with strategic growth policies designated in the Kauai general plan, indicating that the development is not only necessary but also planned with intent to utilize existing infrastructure effectively. The county has confirmed adequate water and wastewater facilities to support the proposed units.

Summary

SB1467 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing housing needs in Kapaa, Kauai. The bill recognizes the Kapaa public housing project, established in 1966, as being at the end of its useful life, as determined by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. With the cost prohibitive nature of rehabilitating the project, the bill seeks to repurpose the site for new affordable housing developments. The intent is to replace the existing thirty-six public housing units with thirty-six new ones while also adding up to seventy-eight additional units, which could include a mix of supportive and workforce housing.

Contention

While SB1467 presents a solution to housing shortages, discussions surrounding its implementation may reveal contention regarding the methods and priorities for housing development in the region. Concerns could arise over the potential impacts on local communities as existing public housing is transitioned to newer developments. Stakeholders might debate the balance between quantity and quality of housing as well as the types of housing units to be constructed. Additionally, the reliance on state funding could raise questions about long-term sustainability and maintenance of the housing once established.