Bill > HR18

This Resolution requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to submit a report to the State Legislature detailing the obstacles to creating affordable housing. The report should also explore how to define "affordable" housing in Hawaii, considering the state's high cost of living and comparing its methods to other places with similar economic challenges. DBEDT is also directed to consult with other government agencies and advocacy groups, such as the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and, and is expected to present its findings and any proposed legislative solutions by a specific date before the 2023 legislative session begins. The resolution highlights the severe shortage of affordable housing, noting that current definitions of affordability may not accurately reflect what local residents can realistically afford, especially given factors like high housing prices, the cost of living, and other associated expenses.