Hawaii Senate Bill SCR60

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 4/1/25
• Engrossed: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/17/25
• Passed: 5/2/25

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Develop A Plan To Produce Sufficient Housing To Meet The State's Demand.

Impact

The proposed plan outlines several key components necessary for increasing housing production, such as maximizing walkability, assessing density and timing for development, and ensuring adequate infrastructure. It aims to prioritize financing for a broader range of income segments, ensuring that the state can meet current and future housing needs efficiently. The resolution also suggests the need for collaboration with the Affordable Housing Land Inventory Task Force to address potential barriers in housing supply, which will involve a thorough evaluation of land availability and sustainable financing models.

Summary

SCR60 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to develop a comprehensive plan to address the severe housing shortage in Hawaii. The resolution highlights the acute imbalance between the demand for housing and the existing supply, citing that the rate of housing production in the state has lagged behind national averages, which exacerbates the housing affordability crisis. With a significant portion of the population contemplating relocation due to high housing costs, the bill seeks to stimulate the production of sufficient housing to retain local families across various income levels.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SCR60 is optimistic among its supporters, who view it as a crucial step towards ameliorating the state’s pressing housing issues. Legislators recognize the importance of affordable housing for workforce stability and economic growth. However, there may be concerns about the feasibility of implementing the proposed housing plan and whether it adequately addresses the diverse needs of all residents. Critics may question the effectiveness of the plan and the capacity of the HHFDC to deliver on the ambitious agenda outlined in the resolution.

Contention

Notably, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for a proactive and innovative approach to housing development. There is recognition that existing legislative and regulatory frameworks might hinder rapid deployment of new housing solutions. The plan requires an analysis of the challenges faced in achieving housing goals, such as regulatory barriers and funding shortages. As the bill calls for periodic reporting to the Legislature, ongoing oversight may be imperative to ensure that the HHFDC is held accountable for meeting the stipulated objectives.