HI SB2544

Establishes a five-year Hawaii Builds Pilot Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address "missing middle" housing for households earning 60-140% of area median income, modeled after British Columbia's BC Builds program.

Authorizes use of the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for predevelopment activities (land acquisition, architectural services, environmental studies) and construction equity for designated pilot projects, with funding structured to ensure reasonable returns.

Requires at least one pilot project in each county and mandates that a majority of housing units comply with affordability requirements under section 201H-38.

Establishes expedited review timelines: 60 days for state historic preservation and Department of Health reviews, and 45 days for county planning exemptions, with automatic approval if deadlines are missed.

Exempts pilot project contracts from state procurement code (chapter 103D) and requires annual reports to the legislature through 2032; authority to designate new projects sunsets June 30, 2031.