Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Adopt Administrative Rules To Create A Process Under Section 201h-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, For Housing Projects Exclusively Occupied By Hawaii Residents Who Own No Other Real Property.
If enacted, SCR212 would enable HHFDC to expedite the process for projects that meet specific criteria, such as health and safety standards, and be approved by local legislative bodies. This could potentially streamline the development of much-needed affordable housing units, making them more accessible to residents facing acute housing shortages. Notably, existing rules require that at least half of all available units be provided to buyers whose income does not exceed 140% of the area median income. SCR212 seeks to expand on this by allowing further exemptions for designated projects.
SCR212 urges the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to adopt administrative rules creating a process under Section 201H-38 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The goal of this resolution is to facilitate housing projects that are exclusively occupied by Hawaii residents who do not own any other real property. This is a response to the state's ongoing housing crisis, highlighting the need for affordable housing solutions for residents. The bill emphasizes that allowing such projects can help mitigate the severe shortage of residential units in Hawaii.
The sentiment around SCR212 appears supportive, particularly among those concerned with the affordable housing deficit in Hawaii. Proponents of the bill argue that it could offer an efficient pathway to increase the number of available homes for struggling residents. However, while there seems to be broad consensus on the need for housing solutions, some potential concerns may arise regarding the specifics of how these developments align with broader zoning and development standards.
There is a potential for contention regarding the specifics of the proposed rules and the balance between facilitating housing development and maintaining rigorous standards of safety and community input. While SCR212 advocates for increased housing availability for specific residents, it must also navigate state and county regulations governing land use and development. This balancing act will be crucial to ensure that efforts to expand housing do not compromise local planning efforts or health and safety considerations.