Hawaii House Bill HR82

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Chairperson Of The Board Of Directors Of The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Establish A Task Force To Study The Feasibility Of An Equity Conversion Mortgage Program For Kupuna Homeowners.

Impact

The proposed equity conversion mortgage program is intended to help kupuna access funds from their home equity to alleviate the financial strain associated with fixed incomes and rising living costs, including medical bills and maintenance fees. The feasibility study will include research into existing programs like the Federal Housing Administration's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program, indicating a possible alignment of state initiatives with federal guidelines. Establishing such a program could offer critical financial relief and enhance housing stability for many kupuna, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting this demographic.

Summary

House Resolution 82 (HR82) introduced in the 2025 Hawaii Legislature seeks to address the financial challenges faced by kupuna (elders) in Hawaii. The resolution requests the chairperson of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to establish a task force that will study the feasibility of implementing an equity conversion mortgage program specifically designed for kupuna homeowners. With many kupuna experiencing a significant resource gap, the task force aims to explore ways to leverage home equity to support their financial needs without necessitating a forced move from their homes.

Contention

The resolution outlines the necessity for strong consumer protections and a thorough examination of eligibility requirements for the proposed equity conversion mortgage program. While the task force is expected to gather insights from various state directors and other knowledgeable individuals, the effectiveness of the proposed solutions will depend on the ability to navigate concerns related to financial exploitation or mismanagement of funds. By presenting a report with findings and potential legislation by early 2026, the task force has the opportunity to influence legislative discussions significantly and shape the future of housing finance policy for kupuna in Hawaii.