RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY.

Added a clear definition of 'housing' or 'housing project' to include homes, residences, apartments, and other dwelling units designed for sheltering people.

Modified the authority's ability to acquire property to include exchanges of real property and partnerships with private developers.

Added new provisions allowing the authority to enter into development agreements with private parties, including mixed-use development rights exchanges, and requiring annual reports to the legislature.

Modified procurement rules to allow competitive bidding exemptions for partnership agreements while requiring internal policies for accountability.

Modified bond issuance provisions to allow bonds to be secured by various income sources from housing projects and to include costs of undertaking and maintaining projects in bond calculations.

Set the effective date of the Act to July 1, 3000.

Added authority for the Public Housing Authority to enter into contracts with eligible developers to exchange housing projects for mixed-use development rights, allowing commercial development portions.

Added authority to develop housing projects specifically designed for elders, disabled, displaced or homeless persons, low- and moderate-income persons, government employees, teachers, and students.

Expanded bond issuance authority to include revenues from various housing project sources and combinations thereof, providing more flexible financing options.

Modified procurement requirements to allow the authority to bypass competitive bidding for partnership agreements while still maintaining internal procurement policies for accountability.

Added requirement for annual reporting to the legislature on the status of all housing projects developed using partnership or development agreements.

Added and clarified definitions of 'housing' and 'housing project' to ensure consistent understanding across all sections of the law.