Big Island residents urged to complete survey for 2023 Hawaiʻi Housing Planning Study

Big Island residents are urged to participate in a telephone and email survey conducted by SMS Research as part of the 2023 Hawai‘i Housing Planning Study.

Surveying is underway and expected to continue through May. It is necessary to gather data on housing supply and demand.

Tim Carson, President and CEO of SMS Research, understands that those contacted may be concerned about possible scams but ensures residents that the SMS housing survey will not ask for nor seek personal information.

The 2023 Hawaiʻi Housing Planning Study will identify current housing conditions; present demographic and economic characteristics of Hawaiʻi’s households; measure housing needs and preferences; provide updated information on the overall housing inventory; and summarize rental housing data.

The survey is led by Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, a consortium of state and county housing agencies. The consortium includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority; the Department of Human Services; the City and County of Honolulu Department of Community Services; the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development; the County of Kauai Housing Agency; and the County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns.

Denise Iseri-Matsubara, executive director of the consoritum, said that tackling the state’s housing shortage is a top priority for Gov. Josh Green.

“The information gathered will be very valuable, so please respond if contacted,” she said.