Hawaii Senate Bill SB75

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Report Pass: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

Relating To Housing.

Impact

The working group will consist of several key members from relevant state agencies as well as stakeholders from the housing sector, ensuring a well-rounded approach to revising the allocation strategies. The intention behind the establishment of this working group is to create a more efficient process that meets urgent housing needs in Hawaii. The working group is mandated to submit a comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature prior to the 2026 regular session, facilitating future legislative action based on their conclusions.

Summary

SB75 establishes a working group in the State of Hawaii aimed at revising the State's qualified allocation plan and the prioritization of the rental housing revolving fund. This initiative seeks to improve the allocation of federal and state low-income housing tax credits to effectively respond to the housing needs of the state. The working group will assess current terms of loans made from the rental housing revolving fund, aiming to support low-income and mixed-income rental housing projects more effectively.

Contention

While the bill's intent is primarily to enhance the housing landscape in Hawaii, it could raise discussions around state versus local control over housing policies. Critics might argue that while a centralized approach to the allocation of resources may foster efficiency, it could also overlook specific local challenges and needs. As such, the establishment of this working group may face scrutiny regarding its inclusivity and responsiveness to the diverse housing issues across different Hawaiian communities.