Hawaii Senate Bill SCR55

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Community Development Authority To Establish A Multiagency Working Group To Update The Maps, Tier Tables, And Inventories Of State Lands Suitable And Available For Affordable Housing Development.

Impact

If adopted, SCR55 would facilitate a more systematic approach to addressing Hawaii's housing crisis by urging the establishment of a working group to focus on land availability for affordable housing. By updating maps and inventories from previous reports, the state hopes to streamline the process of identifying suitable parcels for development, thereby promoting affordable housing options for families earning low to moderate incomes. The emphasis on existing urban lands suggests a strategic effort to minimize infrastructure costs and improve the feasibility of housing projects.

Summary

SCR55 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Hawaii Community Development Authority to create a multiagency working group aimed at updating inventories of state lands suitable for affordable housing development. The resolution highlights the ongoing affordable housing shortage in Hawaii, which has been exacerbated over the years, making the state one of the most expensive in the nation for housing. With projections suggesting a need for over sixty thousand affordable housing units, the bill aims to prioritize state planning and funding efforts in addressing this critical need.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR55 appears positive among legislators and housing advocates who recognize the dire need for affordable housing solutions in Hawaii. Supporters of the resolution believe that a coordinated approach involving multiple state agencies will enhance efforts to create housing opportunities for residents. However, concerns regarding the effectiveness of past measures and the urgency of action indicate a slightly tempered optimism, reflecting ongoing challenges in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and regional disparities in housing availability.

Contention

The resolution does not seem to have significant points of contention in its current formulation; however, prior proposals aimed at resolving Hawaii's housing issues have raised concerns among community members and local governments regarding the collaborative approach and the effectiveness of merely updating inventories without committing to actual development. The complexity of land use policies and the resistance from various stakeholders could pose challenges as the working group seeks to implement its recommendations. Consequently, while the resolution signifies a proactive step, its success will hinge on the collaborative effort and commitment by all involved parties.