#affordable housing

The supplemental budget bill, House Bill 1800, for fiscal year 2025 represents an increase of more than $480 million, with significant funding going to key state priorities.

The funding comes from a new grant program based on U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s “Yes In My Backyard” legislation.

The newest gift by the Benioffs adds to the 282 acres they previously donated to Hawai‘i Island Community Development Corporation in December 2023.

Bridging The Gap, a coalition of agencies working to end homelessness on the neighbor islands, presented the results of the 2024 Homeless Point in Time Count last week.

Thirteen Big Island residents graduated the Hawai‘i Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund apprenticeship program last Saturday.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., highlighted the achievements of the 2024 legislative session to unlock more affordable housing across the state in a ceremony at the State Capitol. Green underscored the collaborative efforts behind several significant bills aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis. 

UHERO reported high interest rates, high prices and low supply have continued to keep housing extremely unaffordable.

Gov. Josh Green touts Senate Bill 2919 as pivotal tool to address the state’s housing crisis and ensures counties can guide their future development, but opponents say it does not address the true causes of Hawai’i’s housing shortage.

The six units on ‘Elua Street in Līhu‘e will serve as ‘bridge housing’ for YWCA Kaua‘i clients searching for long-term homes.

To combat the rising costs of housing, healthcare, and daily essentials Mayor Mitch Roth announced during the State of the County address his plan to ask the Hawai‘i County Council to decrease property taxes based on a close examination of the county budget.

Developers must now produce 60% of their units at 140% of the area median income or less – instead of the previous 50%-plus requirement.

In a poll last week we wanted to know what issues you thought should take priority this legislative session. Out of the 445 votes, 118 voters agreed all the issues listed in the poll were priorities.

Despite the tragedy on Maui, Green said the state came together to support each other. As a result, he reports that the state of Hawai‘i is strong.

Lawmakers plan to address statewide issues laid bare during the devastating Maui wildfires.

While no choice received a majority of votes, those top two captured 42% of the total 844 votes.

The Maui wildfires were top of mind for Speaker Scott Saiki and how those issues affect communities statewide.

Sen. Ronald Kouchi or Kaua’i, who has led the chamber since 2015, conveyed a message of interconnectedness and collaboration necessary to tackle the issues facing the state during this session and beyond.

There are two who have entered the race so far, incumbent Mayor Mitch Roth and former Bay Clinic Chief Executive Officer Kimo Alameda. Candidate filing for the 2024 election starts Feb. 1.

Mayor Roth made his announcement at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo in front of at least 165 supporters. Much of the work Roth and his administration has done since taking office on Dec. 7, 2020, has been fueled by this dream of a sustainable island for future generations.

“As we embark on the second year of the 32nd Legislature, the House Majority Caucus will continue to address key community issues, including affordable housing and homelessness, renewable energy, mental health needs in our community, and the shortage of healthcare workers across our state,” said House Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura (D-15).