Housing (Affordable Housing)

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 38: DECLARING THE INTENT THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDITS ARE PERPETUAL AND REMAIN VALID UNTIL REDEEMED, AND REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO RECOGNIZE THESE CREDITS WITHOUT EXPIRATION DATES.

This bill declares that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii state law are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. It directly affects counties and developers by requesting that local administrative agreements and policies do not impose time limits or restrictions on these credits beyond what state statutes authorize. The resolution aims to clarify that memoranda of agreement between counties and housing agencies are meant to facilitate credit management, not to diminish their value or transferability. By seeking alignment with existing state law, the bill intends to protect the financial incentives for developers and ensure a stable pipeline for affordable housing construction.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes affordable housing credits perpetual, preventing expiration and strengthening housing development incentives.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 68: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER PARCELS THAT MAKE UP THE EAST KAPOLEI TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND URGING THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO PARTNER WITH THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PORTIONS OF THE PROJECT.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer several state-owned parcels in the East Kapolei Transit-Oriented Development Project to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The resolution also asks the Housing Corporation to partner with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to handle non-housing community development and infrastructure work across the project area. These agencies are being encouraged to coordinate their roles based on their existing expertise, with the Housing Corporation leading housing development and the Community Development Authority managing infrastructure improvements. The bill does not mandate these actions but formally requests the agencies to align their responsibilities for this mixed-use development that includes affordable housing, commercial spaces, and transit support facilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill urges transfer of state parcels to housing finance corporation to facilitate housing development, directly advancing affordable housing initiatives.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transit-oriented development and infrastructure coordination, supporting transportation improvements through agency partnerships.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 36: DECLARING THE INTENT THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDITS ARE PERPETUAL AND REMAIN VALID UNTIL REDEEMED, AND REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO RECOGNIZE THESE CREDITS WITHOUT EXPIRATION DATES.

This bill declares that affordable housing credits issued in Hawaii are perpetual assets that remain valid until they are used to meet housing obligations, rather than expiring after a set period. It directly affects local county governments and developers who rely on these credits to fulfill affordable housing requirements under state law. The resolution clarifies that administrative agreements between counties and housing agencies should not impose expiration dates or other restrictions that are not authorized by existing statutes. By ensuring these credits maintain their full value and transferability, the bill aims to protect the financial incentives for developers and support the state's long-term housing goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill protects affordable housing credits as perpetual assets, preventing expiration that would reduce funding availability for affordable housing programs and limit government spending flexibility.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes affordable housing credits perpetual, preventing expiration and strengthening affordable housing availability in Hawaii.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 19, 2026

SR 45: SUPPORTING THE USE OF THE DWELLING UNIT REVOLVING FUND TO FUND PREDEVELOPMENT COSTS FOR ANY GOVERNMENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT THROUGH INTERIM LOANS TO EXPEDITE THE DELIVERY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO HAWAII'S RESIDENTS.

This Senate Resolution supports using the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to provide interim loans for predevelopment costs on government affordable housing projects in Hawaii. The measure aims to help cover expenses like site analysis, design work, environmental assessments, and permit preparation before construction begins. These loans would be repaid by developers through the project's permanent financing once construction is underway. The resolution directs copies to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and its Board of Directors for their consideration.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly funds predevelopment costs for government affordable housing projects through interim loans, directly advancing affordable housing delivery in Hawaii.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 85: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO TRANSFER PARCELS THAT MAKE UP THE EAST KAPOLEI TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND URGING THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO PARTNER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-HOUSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PORTIONS OF THE PROJECT.

This bill urges state agencies to reorganize the East Kapolei Transit-Oriented Development Project by transferring land parcels currently owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. It also requests that the Housing Corporation partner with the Hawaii Community Development Authority and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to handle non-housing aspects like commercial development and infrastructure improvements. The resolution aims to align agency responsibilities with their core functions to facilitate the project's mixed-use development, which includes affordable housing, retail, and transit facilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill transfers land parcels to housing finance corporation to facilitate affordable housing development in East Kapolei project.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes transit-oriented development and infrastructure improvements through land transfers and partnerships, directly supporting transportation goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 160: URGING THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES' HOMELESS PROGRAMS OFFICE, STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS, AND HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO CREATE A HOUSING LADDER PROGRAM TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES GRADUATE INTO UNSUBSIDIZED HOUSING.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges four Hawaii state housing agencies to develop a "housing ladder" program designed to help individuals and families move from subsidized housing into non-subsidized, market-rate housing. The proposed program would include support services such as financial counseling, workforce training, transitional rental assistance, and partnerships with private housing providers to facilitate upward mobility. The bill does not create new funding or mandate specific actions but instead requests the agencies to collaborate on creating this program and report their findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure aims to address housing shortages by freeing up subsidized housing units for those still waiting while helping current participants achieve greater financial stability.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill urges agencies to create housing ladder program helping individuals graduate to unsubsidized housing with support services, addressing homelessness and housing mobility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Housing Finance

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 8, 2026

HCR 98: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND LAND MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO DEVELOP A COUNTYWIDE HOUSING PATTERN BOOK TO STREAMLINE PERMIT APPROVALS AND REDUCE REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND WELL-DESIGNED HOMES.

This bill requests the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved residential designs that meet safety and building codes. The pattern book would include various housing types such as accessory dwelling units and low- to mid-rise buildings, featuring culturally appropriate and climate-responsive design elements. By using these pre-reviewed designs, developers could access streamlined permitting processes to reduce costs and construction delays. The resolution also calls for a design competition to source innovative plans and requires collaboration with architects, builders, and community stakeholders. Once completed, the pattern book would be made publicly available to help accelerate the production of safe and affordable housing across Oahu.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill includes climate-responsive design elements and promotes efficient housing that reduces environmental impact through streamlined permitting and sustainable construction practices.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes affordable housing by streamlining permits and reducing regulatory barriers for safe, affordable homes through pre-approved designs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands Affordable Housing Building Codes Zoning

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 48: DECLARING THE INTENT THAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING CREDITS ARE PERPETUAL AND REMAIN VALID UNTIL REDEEMED, AND REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO RECOGNIZE THESE CREDITS WITHOUT EXPIRATION DATES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution clarifies that affordable housing credits issued under Hawaii's housing laws are permanent assets that remain valid until they are used to fulfill affordable housing obligations, rather than having expiration dates. The bill directly affects county governments, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and developers who rely on these credits to build affordable housing units. It requests that counties align their administrative policies and memoranda of agreement with state law to ensure these credits are not restricted by time limits or other conditions not authorized by statute. The resolution aims to protect the value and transferability of these credits to encourage continued private investment in affordable housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill makes affordable housing credits permanent, strengthening housing development incentives and protecting affordable housing program integrity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 87: URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROPOSE AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW STATES TO RESTRICT THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY TO STATE RESIDENTS.

This bill is a concurrent resolution urging the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would allow states to limit the purchase of residential real estate to their own residents. It directly addresses Hawaii's housing affordability crisis by seeking to change the current federal constitutional provision that prevents states from restricting property ownership based on residency. The resolution asks Congress to act on this proposal, which would enable Hawaii and other states to pass laws reserving home purchases for local residents to protect housing stock for state citizens. This measure does not change current law immediately but instead seeks a federal constitutional change that would grant states the legal authority to implement such residency restrictions on property purchases.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks constitutional amendment to allow states to restrict property purchases to residents, directly addressing housing affordability crisis by limiting non-resident investment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 103: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING STATE-OWNED OR STATE-CONTROLLED WAREHOUSE AND LOGISTICS FACILITIES NEAR PORTS, HARBORS, AND AIRPORTS TO REDUCE MATERIAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLICLY FINANCED HOUSING PROJECTS.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to form a working group to study whether the state should own or control warehouse and logistics facilities near ports, harbors, and airports. The working group would examine how such facilities could lower material costs for publicly funded affordable housing projects by improving supply chain efficiency, enabling bulk purchasing, and reducing transportation delays caused by Hawaii's geographic isolation. The group is tasked with identifying suitable state lands, analyzing cost savings, exploring public-private partnerships, and determining any legal changes needed to implement recommendations. Members will include state agency directors, housing commission leaders, and representatives from industry groups, with a final report due to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill aims to reduce material costs for publicly financed affordable housing projects through improved logistics efficiency.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill proposes establishing state-owned logistics facilities near transportation hubs to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce material costs for housing projects, indirectly supporting transportation infrastructure utilization.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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