The bill specifically seeks to amend Chapter 205 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to facilitate the construction of elderly housing on large agricultural lands. Owners of at least thirty contiguous acres would be permitted to petition the Land Use Commission to reclassify up to fifteen acres for the purpose of developing elderly housing. This change aims to streamline processes for construction and help to alleviate some of the housing shortages faced by the senior community in Hawaii.
Summary
SB2804 is a legislative proposal in Hawaii aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing availability, particularly for the elderly population. The bill is motivated by the stark contrast between Hawaii's relatively high median wages and its exorbitant cost of living, which is significantly higher than the national average. An emphasis of the bill is the need for affordable housing options specifically directed at low-income elderly residents, who often face long waitlists for existing senior apartments. The legislation recognizes that current agricultural land use restrictions are barriers to new housing development.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces a model that allows for a mix of housing prices, where higher-priced units can subsidize lower-priced ones, ensuring that some units are accessible to those earning no more than eighty percent of the area median income. However, concerns may arise regarding the implications of converting agricultural land for residential use, as this could lead to debates over land preservation versus urgent housing needs. The bill also imposes certain conditions for approval, requiring substantial evidence and support from the Land Use Commission, which may attract scrutiny and need robust discussion during the legislative process.