A proposal from Honolulu City Councilmember Andria Tupola would make it easier to develop affordable rental housing on Oʻahu.
The Affordable Rental Housing Program, adopted in 2019, was designed to encourage affordable housing by easing certain zoning and construction rules. Tupola said in a recent announcement that only six projects have been completed under the program since its adoption.
As proposed, Bill 18 would expand where affordable housing projects are allowed, increase the number of units permitted on each zoning lot, and eliminate maximum lot and building area requirements and fixed height limits, among other provisions. Building heights could reach the maximum allowed by the underlying zoning.
“At least 80% of units must be rented to households earning 100% of area median income or below, with rents tied to federal HUD limits,” Tupola told Aloha State Daily, adding that, units “must remain affordable for at least 15 years after a certificate of occupancy is issued.”
Hawai‘i needs an estimated 64,490 additional housing units by 2027 to meet demand, according to the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp.’s 2024 Hawai‘i Housing Planning study.
The City and County of Honolulu has the largest shortfall, requiring 25,710 units to meet demand. The study notes that 18,676 of those units (73%) are needed for households earning 80% of Area Median Income or below.
Tupola also said the bill does not create new funding programs, change taxes, or alter developer fees. It simply reforms development rules to make affordable housing easier to build.
As of Friday, one member of the public submitted written testimony ahead of the hearing, suggesting that affordable housing projects include accessibility features such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant units, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and designated parking.
Bill 18 is scheduled for a hearing before the full Honolulu City Council at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Honolulu Hale.
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