Bill > SB2544

This bill establishes a five-year "Hawaii Builds Pilot Program" within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to address the shortage of "missing middle" housing, which refers to housing affordable for households earning between 60% and 140% of the area median income. The program will allow the HHFDC to use funds from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for predevelopment activities like land acquisition and securing permits, as well as for construction equity, subject to an annual spending cap. A key provision requires that a majority of housing units developed under this pilot program must meet specific affordability and development standards set by the HHFDC. To expedite project delivery, the bill mandates interagency coordination and expedited review processes for designated pilot projects, including strict timelines for state and county agencies to process permits and exemptions. The program will sunset on June 30, 2031, and the HHFDC is required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing the program's progress, challenges, and recommendations.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2544&year=2026