Bill > HB374

This bill modifies the criteria used by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (the corporation) when providing housing assistance by expanding and formalizing the factors considered when evaluating housing applicants. The bill adds several new preferential considerations, including the applicant's age, physical disabilities, current housing conditions, displacement status, proximity to employment, and whether the applicant is a state or county employee. The corporation is now required to systematically determine the order of preferences, rank applicants accordingly, select applicants based on application date within similarly ranked groups, and validate an applicant's preference status before occupancy. The bill also introduces flexibility by allowing households with incomes up to 20% higher than the maximum sales price threshold to qualify for housing units, and permits the corporation to establish additional eligibility criteria through administrative rules. These changes aim to create a more comprehensive and transparent process for allocating affordable housing, taking into account a broader range of individual circumstances that might impact housing needs.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=374&year=2025