HI HCR5

Urges counties to continue implementing section 46-15.1, Hawaii Revised Statutes (Act 141, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended) to facilitate affordable housing development by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Act 141 requires counties to issue transferable affordable housing credits to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on a one-unit-for-one-unit basis for Hawaiian home lands projects.

Affordable housing credits earned by the Department may be applied county-wide to satisfy affordable housing obligations imposed on market-priced residential and non-residential developments.

Act 98, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012 clarified that credits apply to single-family residences, multi-family units, and other residential units, and that county-specific housing requirements cannot impair or restrict the counties' obligation to apply credits in full satisfaction of all requirements.

Statutory authority for counties to issue these affordable housing credits expires on June 30, 2015, making immediate implementation urgent to address the Department's waitlist of over 20,000 families and support construction industry job creation.