HI SCR54

Urges Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to promote supportive housing through the state's low-income housing tax credit program.

Requests amendment of the 2023-2024 Qualified Allocation Plan to facilitate supportive housing development by reducing restrictions on special-needs units.

Proposes allowing developers to use "best efforts" approach to restrict supportive housing units for special-needs tenants rather than absolute occupancy requirements.

Proposes implementing a vacant-unit rule allowing rental to income-eligible tenants after reasonable attempts to locate special-needs tenants, reducing prolonged vacancy periods.

Cites Hawaii Pathways Project and City and County of Honolulu Housing First Program studies showing supportive housing reduces emergency service use, improves health outcomes, and lowers crime rates.