Housing (Homeownership)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1316: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2270 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 214).

This bill, signed into law as Act 214, amends Hawaii statutes to update the rules for the state's downpayment loan assistance program. It directly affects eligible homebuyers by defining how they can receive financial help for purchasing residential property. The key provisions allow the state corporation to provide loans covering up to 15% of a home's price or $60,000, whichever is less, with interest rates set based on federal requirements and market conditions. To qualify, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens, live in Hawaii, complete a homeownership counseling program, and contribute at least 3% of the purchase price themselves. The bill also specifies that these loans must be used strictly for downpayments and closing costs, and the property cannot be sold without the lender's approval.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands downpayment assistance for homebuyers, directly funding affordable housing initiatives and strengthening access to residential property.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 9, 2026

GM 1221: Informing the Legislature that on June 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2061 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 121).

This bill, signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 8, 2026, updates Hawaii Revised Statutes to regulate residential condominiums within urban redevelopment sites. The primary mechanism restricts these units to owner-occupied residential use, prohibiting them from being rented out or used for any other purpose. To enforce this rule, the bill authorizes the establishment of penalties that can include the forced sale of a unit if it is found to be in violation. Additionally, the legislation modifies how construction contracts are handled, requiring laborers to be paid prevailing wages, and sets specific eligibility requirements for buyers, such as being a qualified resident of the state and not owning other real property.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill restricts condominium units to owner-occupied use and prohibits renting, effectively limiting housing supply and tenant access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homeownership

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1231: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1718 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 130).

This bill grants Hawaii counties the authority to build, finance, and manage low- and moderate-income housing projects in the same way the state's housing finance corporation does. Under the new provisions, counties can acquire land, offer construction loans, guarantee mortgages, provide down payment assistance, and sell or lease completed units. The legislation also requires counties to accept affordable housing credits from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to help meet local housing requirements. While counties gain these expanded powers, they cannot issue state bonds to fund projects, and existing state laws regarding affordable housing obligations remain in effect.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill empowers counties to build, finance, and manage affordable housing projects, directly increasing housing supply and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate May 28, 2026

GM 1155: Informing the Legislature that on May 28, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2315 HD1 SD1 (ACT 055).

This bill directs the Governor to inform the legislature that he signed Act 055 into law on May 28, 2026. The act authorizes the Department of Health to run a three-year pilot program allowing its employees to use a portion of their accrued vacation time to pay for a down payment on a home. To qualify, employees must be permanent staff in good standing who meet specific residency and homeownership history requirements. The program aims to help state workers overcome high housing costs without requiring them to leave their jobs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a pilot program helping state employees afford home down payments, directly advancing housing accessibility.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands employee benefits by allowing vacation time to be used for home down payments, directly supporting worker welfare and financial stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 116: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

This House Resolution requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The bill directs the department to partner with financial educators, credit counselors, and lenders to offer pre-award education, post-award support, culturally responsive materials, and grant identification. The department must submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027 detailing program improvements, participant numbers, and outcomes related to lease stability and credit improvement. This measure focuses on administrative planning and program enhancement rather than creating new funding or changing existing laws.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial literacy and credit readiness programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, enhancing educational access and financial education services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeownership preparedness and financial literacy programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, directly supporting housing development and stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 120: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The bill directs the department to partner with financial educators, credit counselors, and community organizations to provide pre-award education, post-award support, and culturally responsive materials. Additionally, the resolution asks the department to identify funding opportunities and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining program improvements, participant numbers, and measurable outcomes related to lease stability and homeownership readiness.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens financial literacy and homeownership programs for Native Hawaiians, promoting fiscal responsibility and economic stability through expanded government support services.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial literacy and credit readiness programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, enhancing educational access and financial education services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeownership programs and financial literacy for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, directly advancing housing access and stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 124: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

This bill requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The resolution asks the department to work with financial educators, credit counselors, and community partners to provide pre-award education, post-award support, culturally responsive materials, and to identify funding opportunities. The department is also asked to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with details on program improvements, the number of people served, and measurable outcomes related to lease retention and credit improvement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens financial literacy and homeownership programs for Native Hawaiians, promoting fiscal responsibility and economic stability through expanded government support services.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial literacy and homeownership education programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, strengthening educational access and financial preparedness.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeownership programs and financial literacy for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, directly advancing housing access and stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 59: URGING THE COUNTIES TO ESTABLISH PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS WHO HAVE OWNED AND OCCUPIED THEIR RESIDENCE FOR AT LEAST TEN CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

This House Resolution urges Hawaii's county governments to create new property tax relief programs for senior citizens who have lived in their homes for at least ten consecutive years. The proposal specifically targets homeowners aged 65 or older who have owned and occupied their primary residence for a decade, excluding rental or investment properties. It requests that counties add these new programs to existing tax relief options and establish verification procedures to confirm eligibility. The resolution aims to help long-term residents manage rising housing costs while supporting community stability and aging in place.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes property tax relief for senior citizens, reducing tax burden on homeowners aged 65+ who have lived in their homes for 10 years, supporting fiscal relief for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes property tax relief for seniors, protecting homeownership and reducing housing cost burden for vulnerable population.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Tags Seniors

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 128: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

This bill requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The resolution asks the department to partner with financial educators, credit counselors, and lenders to provide pre-award education, post-award support, culturally responsive materials, and to explore additional funding sources. The department is also required to submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining program improvements, participant numbers, and measurable outcomes related to lease stability and credit improvement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens financial literacy and homeownership programs for Native Hawaiians, promoting fiscal responsibility and economic stability through expanded support services.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial literacy and credit readiness programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, enhancing educational access and financial education services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeownership programs and financial literacy for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, directly supporting housing development and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 3089: RELATING TO THE DOWNPAYMENT LOAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Amends the Downpayment Loan Assistance Program, administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, to align with federal requirements and enhance assistance for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAmends downpayment program to enhance assistance for low/moderate-income first-time homebuyers, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance Property Development

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