Bill > SB378

This bill establishes a working group within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to address the state's housing crisis by identifying mixed-use developments in Maui County that could be converted into affordable housing and commercial spaces. The working group will consist of key stakeholders, including the HHFDC board chair, Maui County housing director, a REALTORS Association representative, two Maui residents with expertise in financing and construction, and two representatives from Maui housing nonprofit organizations. These members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The group's primary task is to explore the potential of repurposing existing commercial buildings into mixed-use developments, which can create affordable housing for service workers, reduce housing costs, support local businesses, and alleviate traffic congestion. The working group is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular session and will be dissolved after the session concludes. The bill emphasizes the historical precedent of mixed-use communities in Hawaii and highlights the economic and social benefits of such redevelopment strategies.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=378&year=2025