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1 ~ July 9, 2007 <br /> The Honorable Pete Hoffman, Chair <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> hawal'1 chapter 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> o(the <br /> americanplanning Subject: Bill No. 112. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 11, Article 1 <br /> association of the Hawaii County Code Relating to Affordable Housing <br /> p.o. box 557 <br /> nonoWN Deaz Mr. Hoffman: <br /> hawa7i <br /> ssaos The Hawaii Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) wishes to <br /> www.hawaiiapa.org express its concerns regarding Bill 112. We are awaze that the availability of <br /> affordable housing is a serious issue in the County of Hawaii, however, we feel <br /> that there are alternative policies that may more appropriately and effectively <br /> address this problem. <br /> As you are aware, Bill 112 would extend the County's affordable housing <br /> requirement to apply to residential subdivisions and condominium <br /> developments. However, rather than increase the supply of affordable housing, <br /> Bill 112 would adversely affect the development of new housing, including <br /> affordable housing, as it diminishes the incentive to pursue residential <br /> development, and increases uncertainty in the realm of local government <br /> regulation. <br /> Rather than mandate the construction of affordable housing, we advocate that <br /> the County provide incentives to promote the development of affordable <br /> housing. These incentives may include density bonuses, zoning exemptions, <br /> tax incentives, public-private partnerships, flexible subdivision requirements, <br /> expedited permitting, and waived or reduced permit and development fees. <br /> Affordable housing incentives reduce the cost and risk of development, thereby <br /> encouraging the private sector to develop more affordable housing. APA <br /> stands ready to assist you and the County if necessary to amend legislation that <br /> enables such incentives. <br /> In closing, we acknowledge the County's desire to promote the development of <br /> affordable housing but strongly recommend that the County Council consider <br /> the alternatives that we have proposed. <br /> founded in 1962, the Very respectfully, <br /> hawa~ <br /> i chapter has over <br /> 300 members, including / <br /> planning officials, public ~ ~ <br /> <br /> and pdvate sector planners, C? r',- (-L„~ C/~~--- <br /> andcommunity advocates, <br /> on the major islands Ralph E. Portmore, AICP <br /> across the state Chapter President <br /> e m8lama pono ! ka '81na; <br /> n3n3 mal ke ola <br /> take good care o/ the land; <br /> it grants you life <br /> <br />