Requesting The Counties To Amend Or Adopt An Ordinance To Allow Religious Institutions, Educational Institutions, Or Medical Institutions To Develop Residential Units On Parcels That Meet Certain Conditions.
If enacted, HCR122 will enhance housing availability by allowing eligible institutions to contribute to residential development without hindering their primary functions. The resolution encourages the counties to establish guidelines for this development, including density restrictions and the stipulation that these residential units remain under the ownership of the developing institutions for as long as they exist. By utilizing underutilized parcels of land under the jurisdiction of these entities, the resolution aims to ease the housing crunch faced by many communities in Hawaii.
HCR122 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 2024 legislative session of Hawaii, aiming to address the severe housing shortage in the state. The resolution requests each county to amend or adopt ordinances that would permit religious, educational, and medical institutions to develop residential units on certain parcels of land. This initiative stems from the pressing need for diverse housing options to alleviate rising costs associated with buying or renting homes, which have been pushing many residents out of Hawaii. The bill underscores the importance of creative solutions to foster residential development within the state's limits.
Despite its supportive framework for alleviating the housing crisis, the bill may encounter pushback regarding the expansion of development powers to religious, educational, and medical entities. Critics may express concern over potential regulatory exemptions or the perceived prioritization of institutional needs over community interests. There may also be apprehensions surrounding the definition of 'educational' or 'medical institutions', with critics questioning whether the proposed developments might be leveraged by developers under the guise of institutional need.
The bill received a favorable vote in the Senate Government Operations Committee, passing unamended on April 15, 2024. This indicates a level of legislative support that could reflect acknowledgment of the critical housing situation impacting many residents statewide.