Bill > SB1592

This bill addresses Hawaii's housing crisis by appropriating $2,500,000 over two fiscal years to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to support HUD-certified housing counseling agencies. The funding aims to help asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) households and those at or below 140% of the area median income by expanding housing counseling services across the state. These services include financial education workshops, homebuyer and renter education, personalized financial counseling, and eviction/foreclosure intervention. The bill recognizes that 40.5% of Hawaii households are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing, and approximately 48% of households fall into the ALICE category or below. The HHFDC is required to submit a detailed report to the Legislature by November 1, 2027, documenting the number of clients served, types of services provided, client outcomes, and potential legislative recommendations. The goal is to empower residents with knowledge and resources to secure and maintain affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and support families in transitioning from public assistance to self-sustainability. The appropriation and program will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1592&year=2025