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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
70 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
URGING THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION to amend their administrative rules to establish another pathway for housing projects seeking an exemption from state laws and rules.
WHEREAS, the State is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis; and
WHEREAS, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation 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, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation 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, existing law 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 the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation or with an eligible developer under a government assistance program; and
WHEREAS, housing projects eligible for an exemption from State laws and rules 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 development of the 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 House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation is urged to amend their administrative rules to establish another pathway for housing projects seeking an exemption from state laws and rules; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this pathway is urged to include requiring housing projects to meet existing requirements, not have an affordability requirement or income restrictions, and dedicate one hundred percent of the units in the project exclusively for qualified residents for the lifetime of the project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this condition is urged to be in addition to, and not in lieu of, current conditions under the existing 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 Executive Director of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and Chairperson of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors.
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Administrative Rules; Exemption; Affordable Housing