Urging The University Of Hawaii To Study The Feasibility Of Redeveloping Certain University Lands Adjacent To The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Campus Into Workforce Housing.
The resolution aims to mitigate the ongoing housing crisis by leveraging university land for development. The initiative is expected to not only provide much-needed workforce housing, which would cater to a range of residents including students and local workers, but also enhance the amenities and overall environment of the surrounding area. This redevelopment plan could have implications for local economic activity by potentially leading to job creation and improved living conditions within the community.
SCR49 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the University of Hawaii to explore the feasibility of redeveloping certain university lands adjacent to the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, specifically those designated as Tax Map Key (TMK) (1) 2-8-015:001, into workforce housing. Given the critical housing shortage in Hawaii, which is projected to require between 26,000 to 47,000 new housing units by 2030, the resolution highlights the urgency of addressing the imbalance between housing demand and supply. It acknowledges that many residents may have to leave the state due to unaffordable housing options if this situation is not remedied.
While SCR49 appears to focus on addressing an urgent need, some potential contention may arise regarding the specifics of development plans and community engagement. Stakeholders might express concerns about the pace and transparency of the feasibility study, the degree to which local input is considered in planning decision-making, and the impacts of construction on existing community infrastructure. Furthermore, any proposed relocation of existing university facilities, such as the College of Education or childcare center, could affect current users and necessitate careful planning and communication to mitigate disruptions.