Bill > SR203

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 different methods for defining "affordable" housing, comparing Hawaii's approach to other places with similar high living costs, and include recommendations for potential new laws. To prepare this report, DBEDT is directed to consult with other government bodies and advocacy groups, and the findings and recommendations must be presented to the Legislature by a specific date before the 2023 legislative session begins. The resolution highlights the severe shortage of affordable housing in the state, where even minimum wage earners would need to work excessive hours to afford a modest rental, and notes that current definitions of affordable housing may be outdated and not reflect the reality of high living and housing costs in Hawaii.