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 · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 182: REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

This bill asks the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The Commission would examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and lending to determine if existing rules can address potential bias or discrimination. The study will also look at legal challenges in handling complaints, whether new guidance is needed, and if a specific process for reporting algorithmic discrimination should be created. The Commission must submit its findings and any recommendations for new laws to the legislature before the 2027 session begins. This resolution does not change any laws directly but initiates an official review to ensure civil rights protections remain effective in the digital age.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill examines whether anti-discrimination laws apply to AI systems in housing decisions, potentially strengthening tenant protections against algorithmic bias.80% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill examines AI systems for discrimination in hiring, protecting workers' rights against algorithmic bias in employment decisions.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital equity by examining how AI systems affect civil rights, ensuring technology doesn't discriminate and protecting vulnerable populations from algorithmic bias.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 107: 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 Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Housing and Land Management to create a countywide housing pattern book containing pre-approved building designs. 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 like lanais and natural ventilation. Developers using approved designs from the book would receive streamlined permit approvals to reduce delays and costs, while the department is asked to collaborate with architects, builders, and community stakeholders in developing the collection. The resolution also requests a design competition to attract innovative designs and ensures the final pattern book will be made publicly available.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes climate-responsive design elements like natural ventilation and lanais, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact through sustainable housing design.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory barriers for safe, affordable, and well-designed homes, directly advancing housing development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands Building Codes Zoning

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 73: REQUESTING THE PLANNING OR PLANNING AND PERMITTING DEPARTMENT OF EACH COUNTY TO ESTABLISH KUPUNA-FRIENDLY BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING ACCESSIBILITY AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES OPERATING HOURS.

This bill is a House Resolution that asks county planning departments in Hawaii to create building permit requirements focused on accessibility for older adults, known as kupuna. It would require private businesses and shopping centers to offer special hours for kupuna to enter their premises and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. The resolution does not mandate these changes directly but formally requests counties to consider them when updating their planning regulations. The measure aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves accessibility for older adults in healthcare settings by requiring parking accommodations and special business hours, enhancing patient access to services.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes accessibility and parking for older adults, enhancing housing quality and inclusivity for kupuna75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requests establishment of kupuna-friendly parking accessibility and business hours, enhancing transportation accessibility for older adults75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tags People with Disabilities Seniors

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 182: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING NOT COVERED BY THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT AND GOVERNED BY CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AND PLANNED COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create a working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing managed by condominium and planned community associations, which are not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations over accessibility modifications, analyze how current laws define responsibilities for common area improvements, and assess the impact of these barriers on residents' ability to age in place. The working group will include representatives from disability rights organizations, housing authorities, and senior advocacy groups, and will evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The Department of Health is required to submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to study and address accessibility barriers in multi-family housing, which would strengthen tenant protections and improve housing accessibility for residents with disabilities.85% confidence

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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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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 157: REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE STATE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL, PERFORMANCE, AND COMPLIANCE AUDIT OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING STATE FUNDS FOR HOMELESSNESS-RELATED SERVICES.

This bill requests the Attorney General and State Auditor in Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive audit of nonprofit organizations that receive state funding for homelessness-related services. The audit will examine financial records, performance outcomes, and compliance with state laws, focusing first on organizations in Honolulu before expanding statewide. Key areas of review include how public funds are spent, executive compensation relative to program costs, housing placement success rates, and the accuracy of reported service data. The resolution aims to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in the use of taxpayer money for homelessness assistance programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility by auditing nonprofit spending of public funds, ensuring accountability and proper use of taxpayer money for homelessness services.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill audits nonprofit homelessness services to ensure proper use of funds and housing placement success, indirectly supporting housing outcomes through accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Homelessness

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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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in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 105: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO INCREASE COMMUNITY CARE FOSTER FAMILY HOME ACCESSIBILITY FOR PRIVATE-PAY INDIVIDUALS.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Human Services to form a task force to study how to allow two unrelated private-pay individuals to live together in community care foster family homes. Currently, state law generally restricts these homes to one private-pay client at a time, or two only if they are married or in a civil union. The task force will examine ways to simplify application processes for couples and potentially expand housing options for unrelated individuals while considering impacts on Medicaid recipients. The group will include representatives from health services, care home organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to expand access to community care foster homes for private-pay individuals, improving housing options for those needing care services.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks to expand housing options for unrelated individuals in foster family homes, potentially increasing accessibility and housing availability for private-pay clients.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 108: REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED, PLACE-BASED STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE NEEDS ON THE WAIANAE COAST.

This bill asks the City and County of Honolulu and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a strategic plan for addressing homelessness and behavioral health needs on the Waianae Coast. The plan must include an analysis of emergency response times, hospital usage for psychiatric crises, available crisis beds, service gaps, and coordination between outreach teams and first responders. It also requires evaluating the feasibility of a regional crisis stabilization center and identifying any legal or budget changes needed to improve outcomes. Community-based service providers must be involved in developing the plan, which will be reported to the Legislature by March 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates development of strategic action plan for behavioral health and homelessness, improving access to mental health services and crisis stabilization on Waianae Coast.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses homelessness and behavioral health needs through coordinated planning, which supports housing stability and access to services for vulnerable populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Homelessness

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