Bill > HB1093

This bill clarifies and expands the powers of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority by making several key modifications to existing law. The bill adds a new definition for "housing" or "housing project" as any home, residence, or dwelling unit principally designed to shelter people. It removes the word "public" from multiple references to housing projects, which appears to broaden the authority's scope beyond strictly public housing. The bill allows the authority to acquire property through various means, lease or rent housing projects, and establish rents and charges. It also grants the authority additional development powers, including the ability to clear, improve, and rehabilitate property, develop housing projects, and enter into partnerships with private developers. The legislation permits the authority to develop housing for various groups like elders, disabled persons, low-income individuals, and students, and allows it to develop commercial and industrial properties alongside housing projects if they benefit the community. The bill provides more flexibility in project development, including allowing the authority to disregard bids that exceed available funds under certain conditions and enter into development agreements with less stringent bidding requirements. Importantly, the bill maintains provisions about not developing housing on vacant ceded lands and requires annual reports on housing development projects.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1093&year=2025