HI SB3285

Establishes a voluntary Workforce Housing Regulatory Sandbox Program administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to allow temporary waivers or modifications of permitting, zoning, and regulatory requirements for approved workforce housing projects.

Targets housing for households earning 60% to 140% of area median income, with deed restrictions prohibiting short-term rentals and requiring full-time occupancy during the affordability period.

Creates an advisory council chaired by the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development director, including state agency representatives, county planning and public works directors, and members with expertise in sustainability, Native Hawaiian practices, and housing development.

Regulatory waivers are project-specific and expire upon certificate of occupancy issuance, 10 years from approval, or project termination—whichever comes first—without establishing precedent for other projects.

Appropriates unspecified general funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 and creates one full-time position; the program takes effect July 1, 2050, and sunsets June 30, 2031.