Housing

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 23, 2026

GM 764: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Gubernatorial Nominee, SUSAN KUNZ, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

This bill nominates Susan Kunz to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The nomination is submitted by Governor Josh Green for a term that will expire on June 30, 2030. The bill requires the Senate to consider and confirm this appointment in accordance with state constitutional provisions. If confirmed, Ms. Kunz will join the board that oversees housing finance and development initiatives in the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill appoints board member to Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, which oversees housing finance and development initiatives, indicating support for housing programs.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 98: URGING APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES TO REDEVELOP THE PALI LANES PROPERTY TO PRESERVE ITS HISTORIC MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURE AND PROVIDE FOR MEANINGFUL RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND COMMUNITY-SERVING USES THAT BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF KAILUA AND WINDWARD OAHU.

This Senate Resolution urges government agencies to redevelop the Pali Lanes property in Kailua, Oahu, to preserve its historic mid-century architecture and maintain it as a community space for recreation and cultural activities. The bill directly affects residents of Kailua and Windward Oahu by advocating for affordable public use of the site, which closed in 2021 after serving as a community hub for over sixty years. Key provisions request that if the property is not renovated for public benefit, the Department of Land and Natural Resources evaluate acquiring the land to ensure it remains available for community use. The resolution also asks that copies be sent to relevant officials and the property owner, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill advocates for preserving community space and affordable public use, which indirectly supports housing access and community resources, though not directly addressing housing policy.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 97: 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 not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act, specifically condominiums and planned communities. The study will examine disputes between residents and associations, assess the impact of accessibility gaps on aging in place, and evaluate potential state funding options to help offset modification costs. The working group will include representatives from disability rights, consumer affairs, aging services, civil rights, and housing associations, and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes working group to study accessibility barriers in multi-family housing, assess impact on aging in place, and evaluate state funding options for modifications, supporting housing accessibility and tenant protections.85% confidence

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 46: 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 Concurrent Resolution expresses support for using the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to provide interim loans for predevelopment costs on government affordable housing projects across Hawaii. The measure aims to help cover expenses like site analysis, technical studies, design work, environmental assessments, and permit preparation that occur before construction begins. Unlike previous practice, this resolution encourages extending such funding to projects owned or administered by entities other than the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The resolution also specifies that these interim loans would be repaid by developers through the project's permanent financing source.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes using Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to provide interim loans for predevelopment costs of affordable housing projects, strengthening government funding for essential public services.85% confidence ✓ 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

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 88: URGING THE COUNTIES TO ELIMINATE REAL PROPERTY TAXES.

This bill urges Hawaii's county governments to eliminate real property taxes by conducting fiscal analyses and exploring alternative revenue sources to maintain essential services. It directly affects homeowners, renters, small businesses, and long-term residents by calling for a reduction in the financial burden caused by rising property valuations and high living costs. The resolution does not mandate tax elimination but encourages counties to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out these taxes while ensuring public safety, infrastructure, and community facilities remain adequately funded.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges elimination of real property taxes, directly reducing financial burden on homeowners and businesses, aligning with tax relief and fiscal responsibility indicators85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill urges elimination of property taxes, reducing housing costs for homeowners and renters, indirectly supporting affordable housing by lowering financial burdens.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Sales Tax Property Taxes Tags Local Government

Track

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 184: REQUESTING THE HAWAIʻI CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION TO EXAMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING STATE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS TO ALGORITHMIC AND AUTOMATED DECISION SYSTEMS.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to study whether current state anti-discrimination laws apply to decisions made by artificial intelligence and automated systems. The bill directs the commission to examine how these technologies are used in areas like hiring, housing, and credit, and to identify any legal gaps or challenges in addressing potential discrimination. The commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which could lead to new rules or laws if needed. This measure does not change existing laws immediately but initiates an official review of how civil rights protections work in the age of automated decision-making.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill examines anti-discrimination laws for AI in housing, aiming to prevent algorithmic discrimination and strengthen tenant protections.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill examines AI discrimination risks in hiring and employment, strengthening worker protections against algorithmic bias in workplace decisions85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes digital equity by examining how AI systems may cause discrimination, ensuring technology serves all citizens fairly under civil rights protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HCR 115: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, AND THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU, TO CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTED MAXIMUM INFRASTRUCTURE CAPACITY AROUND TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT AREAS WITHIN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU.

This bill requests the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with state and local agencies to evaluate how much infrastructure capacity exists around transit-oriented development areas in Honolulu. The assessment will focus on sewer and water systems to determine if current infrastructure can support future growth in neighborhoods near transit stations. The resolution directs the report to be shared with city officials, housing authorities, and transit planners to inform future development decisions. This measure aims to ensure that infrastructure upgrades are planned alongside new construction in areas designated for mixed-use neighborhoods near public transportation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill assesses infrastructure capacity for transit-oriented development, which supports future housing growth and development planning in Honolulu.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill assesses infrastructure capacity around transit-oriented development to support future growth near transit stations, indicating support for transportation infrastructure planning.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Housing Finance Property Development

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 192: 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 cover decisions made by computer algorithms and automated systems. The Commission would examine if existing rules can handle discrimination claims involving artificial intelligence used in hiring, housing, credit, and public benefits. The study will also look at legal challenges, whether new guidance is needed, and if a complaint process should be created for these types of cases. The Commission must submit its findings and any suggested laws to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins. This is a non-binding request for analysis rather than a law that changes rules immediately.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill examines algorithmic discrimination in housing decisions, potentially strengthening tenant protections against automated bias in housing access.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill examines if anti-discrimination laws cover algorithmic decisions in hiring, protecting workers from AI-based discrimination and strengthening employment rights.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill seeks to examine and potentially strengthen anti-discrimination protections for algorithmic decision systems, promoting digital equity and consumer protection in AI applications.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

Track

passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 115: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND STATEWIDE OFFICE ON HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED SUPPORT AND STABILIZATION PATHWAY FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN BENEFICIARIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS OR EXTREMELY LOW INCOME.

This bill requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions to create a coordinated support system for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries facing homelessness or extremely low income. The key provisions require these agencies to assess the number of affected individuals, identify gaps in housing assistance, and evaluate options like transitional housing models on Department lands. Additionally, the agencies must explore funding sources, partner with nonprofit providers, and develop pilot program structures that comply with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. The resolution mandates that a report on these efforts be submitted to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates creation of coordinated support system for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries experiencing homelessness or low income, directly addressing housing assistance and homelessness prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

Track

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 85: REQUESTING THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF EACH COUNTY TO ESTABLISH KUPUNA-FRIENDLY BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKING ACCESSIBILITY AND PRIVATE BUSINESSES OPERATING HOURS.

This Senate Resolution asks county planning departments to create building permit requirements that support older adults, known as kupuna, in Hawaii. The bill would require private businesses and malls to set aside special hours for kupuna entry and increase the number of parking spaces designated for both disabled and non-disabled older adults. It is a request rather than a mandate, meaning counties would need to adopt these changes voluntarily through their existing planning processes. The resolution aims to improve community access for an aging population by addressing parking availability and business operating hours.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill promotes kupuna-friendly housing accessibility through parking and business hours, supporting senior housing needs and community inclusion.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tags Seniors

Track