COM 0948.002 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing Tools and Strategies The Ad Hoc discussed several "housing tools" that either exist or need establishment. The Ad Hoc is eager to work collaboratively with OHCD and the developer community to ensure that programs are straightforward and accountable. - Adaptive Reuse: Act 37 requires counties to create ordinances that incentivize converting vacant or underutilized commercial properties into residential housing, expanding affordable housing options. Members of the Ad Hoc are drafting an ordinance. - Housing/Land Trust: Hawaii Island has several land trusts that manage land to provide affordable housing. Residents can purchase or rent homes affordably, building equity until they are ready to transition to market -rate homeownership, thereby freeing up affordable housing for new families. Enhanced coordination between the County and these trusts could maximize affordable housing outcomes. - Preserve & Rehabilitate: Existing housing stock can be preserved through rehabilitation, extending its useful life. The Ad Hoc Committee is examining how to streamline regulations to incentivize preservation efforts. - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Recently, the Council adopted Bill 123, allowing up to three ADUs on residential properties in urban areas with sufficient infrastructure, meeting Act 39 requirements. This helps increase density and situates residents closer to employment, services, and recreation. Maui County's $100,000 ADU grant program is also being reviewed as a potential model. - Down Payment Assistance: Despite efforts to lower housing costs, many residents still face financial hurdles to homeownership. The Ad Hoc Committee plans to explore down payment assistance options and engage with local financial institutions to understand current offerings and identify gaps in support for first-time homebuyers. Funding: The County's Affordable Housing Production Fund has been successfully used to advance various housing projects. The Ad Hoc recommends maintaining the fund's support for production and preservation, possibly focusing on specific districts based on housing needs. The Housing Revolving Fund, with just over $800,000, must be revisited and code updated so funds can be used to support housing development. A sustained funding source, such as a portion of the Homelessness and Housing Fund, is suggested to keep the Revolving Fund active. Housing Infrastructure: Act 30 authorizes counties to use the General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge for housing infrastructure, which is currently allocated for transportation. Hawaii County uses its GET surcharge to support the Mass Transit Agency and part of the Highway Division. The Ad Hoc recommends an ordinance to expand the County's GET surcharge usage to cover housing infrastructure development. G4i