HI HB1408

Establishes the Office of the Housing Advocate within the Governor's office, headed by a housing advocate appointed by the governor to serve a four-year term concurrent with the governor's term.

Housing Advocate duties include analyzing housing solutions, reviewing regulatory barriers, examining successful policies from other jurisdictions, and making recommendations on tax policies, land use, and financing programs to address Hawaii's housing shortage.

Funding for the Office of the Housing Advocate comes from the dwelling unit revolving fund, which was amended to add this as an authorized use alongside interest reimbursement, housing program administration, and housing development activities.

Housing Advocate responsibilities encompass addressing housing affordability for all economic segments, equitable geographic distribution, special needs populations, infrastructure provision, and preventing housing stock erosion from speculation and short-term vacation rentals.

Effective date is January 1, 2050.