THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

47

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

Urging the hawaii housing finance and development corporation to adopt ADMINISTRATIVE rules to create a process under section 201h-38, hawaii revised statutes, for housing projects exclusively for sale or rent to qualified residents as defined in section 201H-32, hawaii REVISED statutes, who are deemed to be moderate income households.

 

 


     WHEREAS, the State is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) is tasked with overseeing affordable housing projects in the State through the development and financing of low- and moderate-income housing projects and homeownership programs; and

 

     WHEREAS, pursuant to existing administrative rules, HHFDC requires certain housing projects to offer half of the available units to buyers whose income is at or below one hundred forty percent of the area median income; and

 

     WHEREAS, section 201H-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, authorizes certain exemptions from statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules relating to planning, zoning, development and improvement of land, and construction standards for certain housing projects developed by HHFDC or with an eligible developer under a government assistance program, defined as any housing program qualified by HHFDC and administered or operated by HHFDC or the United States, or any of their political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, corporate or otherwise; and

 

     WHEREAS, housing projects eligible for an exemption under section 201H-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, must meet the following criteria:

 

     (1)  The housing project is consistent with the purpose and intent of chapter 201H, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and meets minimum requirements of health and safety;

 

     (2)  The proposed housing project does not contravene health or safety standards or tariffs, rates, or fees established by the Public Utilities Commission or county boards of water supply; and

 

     (3)  The legislative body of the county in which the housing project is located approves the project with or without modifications, and the Land Use Commission makes a determination on any boundary changes, under certain conditions; and

 

     WHEREAS, residential units at all price points are needed to solve the chronic housing shortage for residents; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the HHFDC is urged to adopt administrative rules to create a process under section 201H-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for housing projects exclusively for sale or rent to qualified residents as defined in section 201H-32, Hawaii Revised Statutes, who are deemed to be moderate income households; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process is requested to be in addition to, and not in lieu of, current processes under the Hawaii Administrative Rules that require half of all units to be available for buyers whose income is at or below one hundred forty percent of area median income; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Executive Director of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Chairperson of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors; Chief Housing Officer; and Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Administrative Rules; Exemption; Affordable Housing