Hawaii Senate Bill SCR210

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/8/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Submit A Report To The Legislature On The Barriers To Creating Affordable Housing In The State.

Impact

This resolution seeks to address critical gaps in the creation and accessibility of affordable housing in Hawaii. By directing DBEDT to compile a thorough report on the obstacles faced in creating affordable housing, SCR210 aims to spur legislative action that could potentially lead to new policies or reforms targeting these barriers. The report is requested to include methodologies for defining 'affordable' housing in a manner that reflects the realities of local income levels and housing markets, suggesting a shift in approach towards housing as a human right rather than merely an investment opportunity.

Summary

SCR210, a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii's 31st Legislature in 2022, requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to conduct an analysis of the barriers to creating affordable housing in the state. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii, where many residents face significant financial challenges in securing housing that does not exceed 30% of their income. Current formulas for determining affordable housing prices are outdated, and the resolution calls for a reevaluation that captures the high cost of living in the region while considering various factors such as utilities and transportation costs.

Sentiment

Overall, there is a supportive sentiment surrounding SCR210, as it acknowledges the pressing need for affordable housing solutions among Hawaii’s residents. There appears to be bipartisan support within the legislature to address the crisis, particularly in light of economic strains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocacy groups and stakeholders in the community potentially view this resolution as a necessary first step in tackling longstanding issues of affordability and accessibility in the housing market.

Contention

While the resolution may be seen as a proactive measure, discussions around it could reveal underlying tensions between various stakeholders. Some may argue that without concrete and immediate actions resulting from the report, the resolution may serve only as a symbolic gesture. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the role of government in regulating and incentivizing affordable housing developments, particularly among private developers and local governments who might have distinct priorities.