This bill is significant as it not only increases the housing capacity in a crucial urban area but also aligns with the State's constitutional obligations to native Hawaiians, ensuring that the interests of the OHA are enhanced and expanded. The appropriations included in the bill, which allocate $65 million for repairs to infrastructure related to the parcels, aim to address the historical inadequacies in funding and support for the OHA, aiming to fulfill past promises made by the state regarding trust responsibilities for native lands.
SB736, also known as the Residential Development Bill, aims to enhance the development potential of parcels owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) in the Kakaako community development district. The bill allows the Hawaii Community Development Authority to approve residential developments on these parcels and raises the building height limit to 350 feet while increasing the maximum floor area ratio to 6.0. It also exempts residential developments from dedicatory requirements for public facilities and allows for more flexible land use, addressing previous prohibitions on residential development in the Kakaako Makai area.
The sentiment around SB736 appears to be largely positive among proponents, particularly those advocating for increased housing availability for native Hawaiians and the general public. Legislative discussions indicate a collective understanding of the need for expanded housing solutions, particularly given Hawaii's growing housing crisis. However, there are concerns among certain stakeholders regarding potential negative impacts on community and cultural integrity in Kakaako, reflecting a desire to balance development with preservation.
Notable points of contention arise from the implications of exempting new developments from certain public facility dedication requirements, which may lead to reduced public amenities in rapidly developing areas. Moreover, while the law seeks to enhance OHA's autonomy and capability to address housing needs, critics worry that potential overdevelopment could alter the cultural landscape of Kakaako, raising questions about the long-term impacts of such legislative changes on the community's identity and heritage.