Bill > SB1614

This bill addresses Hawaii's housing shortage by establishing a comprehensive framework for transit-oriented development (TOD), which refers to dense, walkable neighborhoods centered around public transit stations. The legislation defines TOD and creates incentives for developing housing in county-designated TOD areas by establishing priority financing for projects that meet specific criteria, such as achieving transit-supportive density levels (floor area ratios ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 depending on proximity to transit stations) and processing permits ministerially. The bill also modifies the Rental Housing Revolving Fund to allocate at least 51% of its funds for mixed-income rental projects in counties that have invested in TOD infrastructure, with a focus on creating housing for residents across different income levels (from 30% to 140% of median family income). Additionally, the bill expands the responsibilities of the Hawaii Interagency Council for Transit-Oriented Development to include more comprehensive planning, coordination between state and county governments, and strategic implementation of TOD projects, with the ultimate goals of increasing housing supply, reducing automobile dependency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting more sustainable urban development.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1614&year=2026