Hawaii House Bill HR138

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

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

The resolution points out that without concerted efforts in planning, funding, and delivering affordable rental housing, a significant portion of Hawaii’s population will face exclusion from affordable housing. The proposed working group will focus on existing urban lands to reduce the need for extensive regional infrastructure improvements, thereby streamlining the development process. This initiative is aimed at addressing a projected need for over 60,000 housing units, particularly for households earning 80% of the Area Median Income or less.

Summary

House Resolution 138 (HR138) urges the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to establish a multiagency working group tasked with updating the mapping, tier tables, and inventories of state lands that are suitable and available for affordable housing development. The resolution highlights the severe housing shortage in Hawaii, which has persisted for decades, with median housing prices significantly surpassing the national average. It emphasizes the urgent need for identifying suitable lands to assist the state in meeting the growing demand for affordable housing.

Contention

Although HR138 is designed to facilitate affordable housing development, there are potential points of contention regarding the implementation of the working group's recommendations. Critics may raise concerns about the scope of authority granted to state agencies versus local governments, particularly regarding infrastructure assessments and land development priorities. Balancing the needs for affordable housing against environmental considerations and the interests of local communities could spark debate among stakeholders involved in the housing sector.