Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1718 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 130).

This bill grants Hawaii counties the authority to build, finance, and manage low- and moderate-income housing projects in the same way the state's housing finance corporation does. Under the new provisions, counties can acquire land, offer construction loans, guarantee mortgages, provide down payment assistance, and sell or lease completed units. The legislation also requires counties to accept affordable housing credits from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to help meet local housing requirements. While counties gain these expanded powers, they cannot issue state bonds to fund projects, and existing state laws regarding affordable housing obligations remain in effect.