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Impact By State

Hawaii

Overview Legal Landscape Approaches News

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Hawaii’s growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Hawaii residents.

Hawaii is home to over 1.4 million people.

More than 164,600 Hawaiians call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

63% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Hawaii will need to build 514 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

ESTABLISH PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few—and not necessarily those in greatest need—at the expense of the larger society.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

It is important for lawmakers to pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greatest need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Hawaii, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

The Rent Supplement Program is a state-funded program that helps eligible families pay part of their monthly rent. Each family must pay at least 30% of their adjusted family income for rent. The difference between that amount and the total monthly rent, up to a maximum of $250 per month, is paid directly to the owner or his/her agent.

Part of Oahu’s Affordable Housing Strategy is to award density bonuses and reduced parking requirements to developments that offer affordable housing near transit centers.

In 2019, the Mayor of Oahu signed into law a measure that relaxes zoning standards and offers financial incentives to encourage the development of affordable housing units.

This state’s Ten-Year Plan offers several approaches to achieve an affordable rental housing goal of 22,500 units by December 31, 2026. The plan identified 10,688 acres of combined public and private lands for development based on suitability and readiness

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