Housing

passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 2424: RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Removes the prohibition against qualified residents for Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation-approved projects holding a majority interest in land and removes the requirement that qualified residents demonstrate financial viability or ability to pay rent. Amends exemptions from statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules for certain housing projects developed by the Corporation that satisfy certain conditions, including requirements related to employment, owner-occupancy, and deed restrictions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves barriers for qualified residents in HHFDC projects, lowering access requirements to increase affordable housing availability.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 2981: RELATING TO LAND USE.

This bill prohibits counties from requiring minimum parking spaces for certain developments starting July 1, 2027. The law applies to local governments that currently enforce parking mandates for new construction projects. The restriction remains in effect until July 1, 3000, giving it a very long-term duration. The measure aims to give developers more flexibility in designing parking solutions without being forced to meet specific minimum requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves parking mandates that increase development costs, enabling more housing units and potentially lowering costs for residents by facilitating denser urban development.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 2378: RELATING TO HOUSING.

SB 2378 clarifies insurance requirements for single-family and multi-family housing projects to enable faster county permitting. Developers would need to meet specific, clear insurance standards to qualify for expedited review of construction permits. The bill directly affects housing developers and builders seeking quicker approvals for new projects or renovations. It replaces vague insurance rules with defined requirements to streamline the permitting process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines permitting for housing projects via clear insurance standards, enabling faster approvals and development - directly advancing housing construction.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 2806: RELATING TO REAL ESTATE.

Prohibits real estate brokers from listing or offering the sale or lease of residential real estate to a limited or exclusive group of prospective buyers, real estate brokers, or real estate salespersons, with limited exceptions. Deems the practice an unfair or deceptive trade or practice subject to penalties and grounds for discipline. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discriminatory real estate listing practices, preventing housing discrimination and advancing fair access to housing.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 2209: RELATING TO RENTAL DISCRIMINATION.

Allows the court to award attorneys' fees to a prevailing party in an action relating to discriminatory practices in a rental transaction based on source of income. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents rental discrimination based on income source, strengthening tenant protections and advancing fair housing practices.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 2191: RELATING TO LIMITED-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS.

Establishes an organizational, tax, and regulatory framework for limited-profit housing associations. Establishes the Limited-Profit Housing Council within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to oversee limited-profit housing associations. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates regulatory framework for limited-profit housing associations, a model designed to increase affordable housing access through profit caps and oversight.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 2180: RELATING TO DEPOSITS OF PUBLIC FUNDS.

Requires the Director of Finance to consider, before the selection of a depository for the state treasury, the beneficial effects to the State of using depositories within the State, including but not limited to lending at favorable terms for the creation of certain affordable housing units. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires depository selection to consider lending for affordable housing units, directly advancing housing development through state treasury incentives.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 2210: RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SB 2210 allows Hawaii's Civil Rights Commission to prosecute housing discrimination based on a tenant's source of income, such as public benefits, housing vouchers, or disability payments. This directly affects landlords and housing providers who may deny housing or impose unfair terms due to how a tenant pays rent. The bill gives the Commission new authority to take legal action in these cases, rather than relying solely on private lawsuits. It aims to address a specific gap in existing anti-discrimination protections by targeting income source as a prohibited factor. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2026 and is now moving toward final legislative action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents housing discrimination based on income source (e.g., vouchers), strengthening tenant protections and expanding enforcement authority.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 2071: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Clarifies that the dwelling units eligible for the Rent-to-Own Program shall be units that are for sale in fee simple or leasehold on non-ceded state or county land under a lease with an initial term of not less than 99 years. Replaces the five-year period during which the sales price of a rent-to-own dwelling unit shall remain fixed with an option period established by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends fixed sales price period for Rent-to-Own Program from 5 to 10 years, stabilizing affordability and strengthening access to homeownership under housing program.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 2784: RELATING TO TAXATION.

For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, applies the retail or higher general excise tax or use tax rate to purchases or imports of new motor vehicles by rental car companies. Appropriates funds to establish a position in the Department of Taxation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesApplies tax rate to rental car companies and appropriates funds to Department of Taxation and DHHL, funding essential programs per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill appropriates funds to DHHL to address beneficiary waiting list, directly funding housing development for Native Hawaiian homesteaders.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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