affordable housing

Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues confronting Hawai’i residents. The state’s high cost of living, relatively low wages, and lack of affordable housing make it hard to become a homeowner. So a new mortgage program that made its debut in Hawai’i late last week is attracting a lot of interest. HPR’s Ku’uwehi Hiraishi reports.

Governor David Ige approved new rules today to guide future development in Kaka’ako.

Last week, a coalition of Maui community groups presented a plan at the Alexander and Baldwin shareholders’ meeting in Honolulu.   The coalition, Hukilike no Maui, is proposing to acquire five thousand acres, or 15% of A&B’s Maui land holdings, for affordable housing, agriculture, and conservation.  HPR’s Noe Tanigawa was on Maui with Hukilike members to find out more about this community planning initiative.

House Bill 2748, dubbed the "Bob Nakata Act," recognizes the former state senator and lobbyist for his many years of advocacy for affordable housing. At a news conference yesterday, legislators said they made good on their resolve to do something bold to address the shortage of affordable rental housing. The $200 million agreement aims to jumpstart construction by reducing building costs.

Affordable Housing Initiative; Voter Turnout; Kahua Ranch; Culinary Apprentice Program; Black Snow 

The failure of counties to enforce zoning codes has added to the state's housing crisis with a staggering number of runaway illegal vacation rentals. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is proposing to try and fix that broken picture by legalizing Bed and Breakfasts, with operators paying higher taxes and penalties for violations.

Many high-profile developers include affordable housing as required by law, but some developers specialize in that type of housing. Pacific Business News editor in chief A. Kam Napier has more on the people and projects adding affordable housing in Hawaii.

The Honolulu City Council is wrestling with a half a dozen versions of a bill to slow the growth of so-called “monster homes.” Today we sit down with to talk about a proposed moratorium and to understand what is wrong with our land use laws, and why enforcement is such a problem. 

Guests:

Lack of affordability, convoluted permitting process, monster homes, and more. There is no shortage of challenges in addressing Hawaii’s housing market. Today’s panel will explore those challenges, their causes, and possible solutions.

Kūpuna in an affordable housing complex in Kaka‘ako were given quite the scare last week. They received notices that their rent would soon increase – some would even double. HPR Reporter Ku‘uwehi Hiraishi has more.

Opening Day for the 2018 State Legislature is Wednesday. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka has this preview.

Hawaii’s Economic Outlook for 2018

A home for the holidays is a gift that can seem next to impossible here in the islands, especially for those of us with limited budgets.  Affordable housing remains one of the biggest issues facing Hawaiʻi residents. But one organization is dedicating a home this holiday season, and vows to build more homes than ever in the coming years. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi has this story.

The Building Industry Association of Hawai’i sponsored its 3rd Summit titled, “Still Houseless in Hawai’i.” HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

A Joint Legislative Committee conducted another informational hearing on Affordable Housing today.  As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, this time, lawmakers heard from developers.

Affordable Rentals; Pesticides and Honey; Music from Henry Kapono and Jerry Santos

The Honolulu City Council is advancing bills with affordable housing mandates for developers.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka attended the hearing and filed this report.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell would like to require developers to build more affordable housing units and keep them affordable for 30 years.  He told members of the Honolulu City Council Zoning and Housing Committee that he wants affordable housing for lower wage earners.

“Where we’re focusing here is 120 percent Area Median Income (AMI) if it’s for sale; rental it’s 80 percent .  But you think, 80 percent AMI level for an

Affordable housing and homelessness are two of the toughest problems Hawaii faces. A new non-profit is aiming the resources of homebuilders at these challenges. PBN editor in chief, A. Kam Napier, has more.

The Governor, the Legislature and the Counties all have plans to build more affordable housing. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, their developer-based financial model appears to be flawed.

A decade before Habitat for Humanity debuted in Americus, Georgia, students began tackling affordable housing in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

There will be an estimated demand for 65,000 housing units by 2025 in Hawai’i.   That, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka takes a look at affordable housing through the eyes of a young couple who are taking charge of their lives.

State lawmakers are looking for ways to generate more state revenue by taxing foreign real estate investors.   But, as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, local economists don’t recommend that as a viable course of action.

Can Hawai’i solve its Affordable Housing crisis?  Developers say, “Yes.”   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.

There are more than 50 babies born each day in Hawai’i and many of them will need a place to live in when they grow up.  Developer Christine Camp says housing prices can be stabilized if real estate speculation is kept in check.

It’s well known that Hawaii faces a critical housing shortage. As Pacific Business News reports, different challenges exist at all price points. PBN editor-in-chief A. Kam Napier has more.

Oʻahu’s largest food pantry is being forced out of its current location. Feeding Hawaiʻi Together serves as a lifeline for about 2-thousand needy people each week—providing food and household goods.  But right now, the nonprofit is in trouble.  HPR contributing reporter Jackie Young has more on the challenges facing Feeding Hawaiʻi Together.

As most of you know, it is hard to break into Hawai‘i’s housing market. The latest census numbers show the state’s median housing value increased 7.4% to nearly $567,000, making it the highest in the nation. But as HPR’s Molly Solomon reports, that’s nothing new. 

First Nations and Conservation; Life on Mars; Skirting Affordable Housing Regulations; Neal Conan

The application process for Section 8 low income housing in Hawai‘i has opened for the first time in more than a decade.  Section 8 housing provides vouchers which pay for a large portion of rent and utilities.

To accommodate all applicants, state officials are accepting application through an online portal.  The portal will be open for just three days… beginning next Thursday, August 16th, and closing on the 18th.  In that time… city officials expect to receive around 12,000 applicants.  And for those selected… the rent is usually around a $1000 a month.

Off Shore Wind Farm Proposal; Revisiting the Battle of Midway; Building Smart Housing on Oahu; Preserving Historic Pearl Harbor Site

Proposed Wind Farms in Kahuku and off shore: Henry Curtis

Affordable Housing; New Exhibit at Art Museum; Neal Conan; Mark Twain Returns to Hawaii

Real Action on Affordable Housing: Catherine Graham