HI HB1408

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

Housing advocate shall develop and implement policies to address Hawaii's housing shortage by analyzing solutions for affordable housing, identifying regulatory barriers, examining successful policies from other jurisdictions, and engaging stakeholders and the public.

Housing advocate duties include reviewing tax policies, land use policies, and financing programs; considering homeownership and rental options including manufactured housing; and addressing special needs populations and equitable geographic distribution.

Amends the dwelling unit revolving fund statute to add funding for the office of the housing advocate as a permitted use of revolving fund proceeds, alongside interest reimbursement, administration expenses, and housing development programs.

Effective date of January 1, 2050.