Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Impact
The resolution highlights the insufficiency of current FEMA rental assistance, which is set to expire in 2025, and calls for a long-term strategy to ensure that displaced residents have access to stable housing. With the process of rebuilding and repopulating the areas affected by the wildfires expected to span several years, SR193 emphasizes the critical need for alternative housing solutions that can support the community during the transition period. The resolution aims to prevent further instability in an already strained rental market in Maui.
Summary
Senate Resolution 193 (SR193), introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024, seeks to address the significant housing crisis that has exacerbated following the devastating Maui wildfires in August 2023. This resolution urges the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allocate funds specifically for non-congregate housing, focusing on infrastructure and development needs for affordable rental housing. The intent is to provide interim housing solutions for the estimated 1,600 renters displaced by the wildfires, many of whom wish to remain in close proximity to their previous residences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SR193 represents a proactive approach by the Hawaii legislature to address the pressing needs of displaced residents in the wake of one of the most destructive wildfires in the state's history. It underscores not only an immediate response to housing insecurity but also a vision for long-term recovery and stability in Maui's complex housing landscape.
Contention
SR193 also emphasizes the importance of FEMA providing clear guidelines regarding the use of federal funds and engaging in discussions about the long-term commitment to assist Maui residents. This includes the possible transfer of assets acquired through public assistance to the state following the initial response to the housing crisis. While the resolution is largely supported by those advocating for the displaced populations, there may be concerns regarding the extent and efficacy of FEMA's involvement in local housing markets and community recovery efforts.
Same As
Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.
Requesting The Governor, In Collaboration With The County Of Maui, To Provide A Clear Strategy For Addressing The Short And Long-term Housing Needs For Residents Displaced By The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Requesting The Governor, In Collaboration With The County Of Maui, To Provide A Clear Strategy For Addressing The Short And Long-term Housing Needs For Residents Displaced By The August 2023 Maui Wildfires.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Moneys In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And To Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Commission On Water Resource Management To Conduct A Study On Water Resources For The Development Of Affordable Housing.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Prioritize The Allocation Of Funds From The Rental Housing Revolving Fund, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, And Low-income Housing Tax Credits For Projects That Will Make The Most Efficient Use Of Taxpayer Funds And Address The Most Urgent State Priorities.