Hawaii Senate Bill SCR223

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Identify Lands In West And South Maui That Are Appropriate For The Construction Of Kauhale Housing For Homeless Individuals.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes a collaborative approach by requesting the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with the County of Maui's Department of Housing and Human Concerns, as well as community organizations and other stakeholders. This cooperative strategy is deemed essential for effectively addressing local needs and ensuring that the selected lands for kauhale housing are well-suited for the purpose of aiding the homeless population in these areas.

Summary

SCR223 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, aimed at addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in Maui. The resolution calls for the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to identify suitable lands in West and South Maui for the construction of kauhale housing, a traditional Hawaiian housing model that promotes community values and sustainability. The impetus for this resolution stems from the significant number of homeless individuals in Maui, which was reported at 741 as of January 2022, highlighting the urgency of the housing crisis in the region.

Contention

One notable aspect of SCR223 is its focus on kauhale housing as a solution to homelessness, which may be subject to differing opinions among stakeholders. Proponents of kauhale housing argue that it honors traditional Hawaiian values and provides a viable way to foster community living, while critics may raise concerns about the feasibility and funding for such housing solutions. Furthermore, the resolution's requirement for a report to be submitted to the Legislature prior to the next regular session indicates a need for ongoing oversight and a structured approach to assessing the effectiveness of this housing initiative.