HI SB2561

Establishes a state goal to develop or vest development of at least 22,500 affordable rental housing units ready for occupancy between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2026.

Defines "affordable rental housing unit" as a residential unit rented to families earning no more than 140% of area median income at monthly rent not exceeding 30% of the family's monthly income for a minimum 30-year period.

Creates a temporary special action team on affordable rental housing within the office of planning, chaired by the director of planning, composed of state and county officials, legislators, and public representatives from housing advocacy groups and developers.

Requires the special action team to recommend short- and long-term actions to increase rental housing supply, target transit-oriented development areas, preserve existing stock, and mitigate community concerns about rental housing projects by December 31, 2019.

Appropriates $100,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to fund the special action team's administration, one temporary planner position, and proposal of updates to the Hawaii State Planning Act to include a state housing plan.