Bill > SR153

This Resolution requests the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), a state agency responsible for affordable housing, to take two key actions to address Hawaii's severe housing shortage and homelessness. First, the HHFDC is asked to establish a task force comprised of representatives from various state and county agencies involved in affordable housing development, as well as the Hawaii Business Roundtable, to examine and improve the permitting processes for affordable housing projects, aiming to reduce inefficiencies caused by inconsistent and uncoordinated procedures. Second, the HHFDC is directed to conduct a study on how county ordinances, which are local laws and regulations, impact housing finance and development, specifically looking at their effect on the HHFDC's operations and the creation of affordable rental and for-sale housing units, with the goal of identifying and proposing solutions to overcome these local barriers. The HHFDC is required to report its findings and recommendations, including potential legislative changes to streamline permitting and increase affordable housing development, to the State Legislature by early 2024.