Hawaii Senate Bill SCR19

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Postpone For Five Years Lease Increases For Waiahole Valley Lessees To Allow For The Development Of A Comprehensive Lease Plan For Waiahole Valley On The Island Of Oahu, And Requesting The Corporation To Issue A Report Recommending Whether The Corporation's Responsibilities For Waiahole Valley Should Be Transferred To A Different State Agency.

Impact

If implemented, the resolution would provide significant relief to the lessees, particularly farmers who may struggle with astronomical rent hikes. The proposed increase would raise rents to approximately 6.6 times the current rates, an amount that many within the agricultural community, who typically operate on tight margins, may not be able to afford. The resolution emphasizes the need to reassess the role of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, as it does not primarily focus on agricultural support or leasing as its core mission. The potential financial burden of increased rents could force many farmers to reconsider their viability in the Waiahole Valley.

Summary

SCR19 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to postpone any lease increases for Waiahole Valley lessees for a period of five years. This resolution aims to facilitate the development of a comprehensive lease plan for the area, allowing time for discussions and an assessment of the responsibilities of the Corporation regarding the management of Waiahole Valley. The resolution is particularly important as the current lease agreements are set to expire and negotiations for new terms are ongoing, with proposed increases raising rents substantially.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SCR19, particularly regarding the balance between state management and local agricultural needs. Critics may argue that delaying the lease increases could hinder the Corporation's financial stability and its ability to manage operations effectively. The resolution also calls for a report to determine whether another state agency should take over the responsibilities related to Waiahole Valley, which could stir debate on the appropriate governance structure for the land. This aspect reflects a broader conversation about the state’s role in ensuring both agricultural productivity and financial health in land management practices.