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 2356: RELATING TO PARKING.

Prohibits minimum off-street parking requirements for new developments or redevelopment projects located in transit-oriented development infrastructure improvement program areas. Effective 4/19/2042. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves parking mandates in transit-oriented development areas, reducing construction costs and enabling denser, more affordable housing development near transit.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits parking mandates in transit-oriented development areas, encouraging public transit use and sustainable transportation infrastructure as per TOD program goals.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 2422: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Pro-Housing Score Program to evaluate each county's performance in expanding housing opportunities and reducing regulatory barriers. Requires the counties to publish their respective pro-housing scores online and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to publish certain related information and data on a public dashboard. Establishes criteria for deeming a county noncompliant. Establishes builder's remedies for certain housing projects in transit-oriented development areas. Specifies that if a county is deemed noncompliant, the planning director or an equivalent county officer responsible for land use approvals shall be responsible for approving or denying certain affordable housing development applications. Establishes procedures for certain transit-oriented development housing project appeals. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates Pro-Housing Score Program to expand housing opportunities, reduce regulatory barriers, and establish builder's remedies in transit-oriented development areas, directly advancing housing development.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables housing projects in transit-oriented development areas, directly promoting transportation infrastructure integration through TOD policies.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 498: RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group within the Department of Agriculture to address the shortage and challenges of agricultural workforce housing in the State. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for agricultural workforce housing program, directly advancing state budget allocation for housing needs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group with funding to address housing shortage for agricultural workers, directly advancing affordable housing access.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAddresses agricultural workforce housing shortages via working group and funding, improving living conditions and safety for workers, a key employment condition.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1662: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee for a criminal background check or credit report if an applicant provides a certified copy of a criminal background check or credit report. Prohibits a landlord or the landlord's agent from charging an application fee if a comprehensive reusable tenant screening report is available. Requires a landlord or the landlord's agent to provide, upon request, a certified copy of an applicant's criminal background check or credit report. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents landlords from charging fees for criminal background checks, reducing financial barriers for housing access of individuals with criminal records.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord application fees for background/credit checks when tenants provide certified copies, reducing tenant costs and strengthening tenant protections in housing screening.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1610: RELATING TO OHANA ZONES.

Establishes the Ohana Zones Program as a program within the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions. Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to exempt ohana zones projects from general excise taxes. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts housing projects from general excise taxes (tax relief) and appropriates funds for the Ohana Zones Program, supporting housing initiatives through fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes Ohana Zones Program under homelessness/housing office, exempts projects from taxes, appropriates funds - directly advances affordable housing development and homelessness solutions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 40: RELATING TO STATE FINANCES.

Authorizes the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to utilize revenue bonds when securing a line of credit or other instrument of indebtedness for the Bond Volume Cap Recycling Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes HHFDC to use revenue bonds for housing finance program, enabling funding for housing development and affordability initiatives.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

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