More funding for affordable housing, homelessness
Posted on Jul 25, 2022 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Hale Moena in Kapolei is one of many recent affordable projects.
Governor Ige and state legislators are continuing major efforts to keep Hawaiʻi residents housed with the signing of three bills. SB 3048 deposits $300 million into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, half of which is earmarked to develop moderate-income housing for individuals and families. The bill also allows the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to transfer GO Bond proceeds into the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund to build infrastructure for future housing. “My administration met our initial goal of producing 10,000 housing units by 2020, with 3,500 more units on the way. This funding will keep the momentum going,” said the governor. HHFDC director Denise Iseri-Matsubara said what is special about the new law is that it targets the “missing middle” – those whose income falls in the 60 to 100% AMI of about $78,00 to $130,000 a year. “These are our food service workers, teachers, and nurses, who have been here for our community since the pandemic started,” she said.
HB2512 builds on the success of the ʻOhana Zone pilot program and extends it through June 30, 2026. It also provides $15 million to fund services for this fiscal year, along with other provisions. “Since its inception in 2018, the ʻOhana Zone program has served more than 5,500 individuals across the state, and we’ve added 400 more beds to shelter and housing inventory,” said the governor. Finally, HB 2233 gives the Department of Human Services the authority to provide a housing assistance subsidy of up to $500 per month to participants in the First-to-Work program. “Together, these bills represent a significant investment in our communities, to meet the needs of families and individuals across the state,” the governor added.