CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 86-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2337

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sirs:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HOUSING,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to expand the counties' authorization to exercise the same powers as the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation for purposes of developing, constructing, financing, refinancing, or providing low- and moderate-income housing projects and mixed-use developments.

Your Committee on Conference finds that, under existing law, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation has the authority to plan, develop, construct, and finance housing projects, including mixed-use developments. Your Committee on Conference further finds that the counties are granted the same authority and powers, except for the ability to use affordable housing bonds to develop mixed-use developments. Because the counties also share a burden in promoting transit-oriented development, urban revitalization, and the conversion of properties to residential space, this measure will enable the counties to develop and construct mixed-use developments.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting language requiring that county projects prioritize walkability to the extent practicable;

(2) Making it effective upon its approval;

(3) Inserting a sunset date of June 30, 2028; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ LUKE A. EVSLIN Co-Chair	____________________________ STANLEY CHANG Chair
____________________________ MICAH AIU Co-Chair	____________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO Co-Chair