HI HR126

Urges all state and county agencies to follow the true intent of Chapter 201H, HRS, and Section 201H-38, HRS, without imposing additional restrictions and processes on affordable housing development.

Calls on agencies to exempt qualifying affordable housing projects under Chapter 201H from all statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules relating to planning, zoning, construction standards, and land development, provided minimum health and safety requirements are met.

Establishes that Hawaii has a critical housing shortage with projections of 50,000 needed units between 2020-2025, median single-family home prices on Oahu at $1,050,000 as of January 2022, and approximately 14,500 residents leaving Hawaii between July 2020-2021.

Notes that population loss includes younger and more educated residents relocating to the mainland, driven in part by high housing costs and cost of living.

Requires copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, county mayors, county councils, and relevant housing agencies.