This program is designed to provide individual or shared micro housing units and essential services to Native Hawaiians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, particularly those on the waiting list for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The pilot program will allow beneficiaries to rent housing with an option to purchase, thus promoting pathways to homeownership, a critical need identified based on survey data indicating a significant desire among applicants for ownership and affordable rentals.
Summary
Senate Bill 1040 aims to address the persistent challenge of homelessness in Hawaii, particularly focusing on the plight of Native Hawaiians. It acknowledges the serious impact of the housing crisis on this population, noting that while Native Hawaiians make up a small percentage of the state's population, they comprise over half of the homeless individuals. To tackle these issues, the bill establishes a rent-with-option-to-purchase pilot program under the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, specifically on the Leeward coast of Oahu.
Contention
One notable aspect of SB 1040 is its framework for cooperation with various state departments and private organizations to facilitate the development and operation of the housing program. It emphasizes community engagement through off-the-grid technologies for sustainable living, which could offer essential services like water and electricity without relying on pre-existing infrastructure. However, the bill's implementation is stipulated to avoid using funds from a substantial prior appropriation made to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, raising questions regarding funding sources for its successful execution.