Hawaii Senate Bill SB1587

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Affordable Housing.

Impact

By mandating the creation of an updated map and report of available state lands for affordable housing, SB1587 seeks to enhance the state’s ability to plan and execute housing projects effectively. This initiative aims to streamline access to land resources, which could facilitate partnerships with private developers and support long-term housing strategies. The task force will also gather insights and recommendations which could influence future legislation, thus potentially altering existing state laws surrounding housing development. Reporting to the legislature prior to the 2024 session ensures that the findings are timely and relevant to current housing challenges.

Summary

SB1587, introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, establishes the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force, aimed at addressing the ongoing issues of affordable housing in the state. The task force will be administratively tied to the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and consist of several key positions, including the director of the office, comptroller, executives from housing finance and development corporations, and other relevant authorities. Its main objective is to update and manage an inventory of state lands that are deemed suitable for affordable housing development, which is a critical need in Hawaii where housing costs are an ongoing concern.

Contention

The bill's establishment of the task force can spark debate around the state's role in housing development versus local governance. While proponents argue that coordinated planning is necessary to address a complex housing crisis, opponents may voice concerns regarding the adequacy of state-level solutions to local needs. Additionally, the mechanisms by which land is categorized and allocated may become contentious, with various stakeholders vying for influence over the use of public lands. Therefore, the discussions surrounding SB1587 may reflect broader tensions between state authority and local autonomy in managing housing solutions.