Hawaii House Bill HB1059

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Affordable Housing On Hawaiian Home Lands.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1059 would amend existing policies by making the provisions of Acts 141 (2009) and 98 (2012) permanent. These acts mandate the issuance of affordable housing credits by counties to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands upon request. This change would enhance the department's capacity to acquire land necessary for housing projects, thus supporting housing development for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The legislation underscores the state's commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis within the Hawaiian community.

Summary

House Bill 1059 aims to make the affordable housing credit program for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands a permanent fixture. This program has enabled the department to provide affordable housing opportunities to its beneficiaries without incurring costs to the state. By allowing the department to purchase additional land in desirable locations for beneficiaries, where the department previously had no real estate, the bill is intended to facilitate housing development and lower the costs of housing units offered by builders on Hawaiian Home Lands.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a means to increase affordable housing availability, potential points of contention may arise surrounding the impact on local governance and community input in housing development. Critics may express concerns that making these credits permanent limits the flexibility of counties to address unique local housing challenges. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of the credit program in genuinely reducing housing costs, raising questions about the program's oversight and accountability.