COM 0200.051 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Any policy developed relating to affordable housing should consider all of the elements that are interconnected and that influence the housing market. Focusing on one element without considering the others, or focusing on one segment of the market, will not lead to a sustainable affordable housing policy. Furthermore, policy makers should be aware of the impact of housing exactions in both a growing and stagnant economy. It wasn't too long ago when there was an oversupply of housing in Hawaii, because of the depressed economy. There is no simple solution to the affordable housing problem; however, if the goal is to have more affordable housing product built, we would recommend that the Council work with the State to launch various initiatives and incentives to address some of the problems identified in each of the interconnected elements which influence the overall housing market. E. The Council should support "Incentives" to encourage the development of affordable housing. Land owners and developers respond to incentives. Thus, to encourage industrial land owners and developers to build affordable housing, LURF respectfully recommends that the Council and County work with the State, landowners, developers and other stakeholders to determine the proper amounts or levels of affordable housing incentives, including, but not limited to the following: • Density bonuses • Fast-track permit processing • Monetary subsidies • Fee waivers, fee reductions and fee deferrals • In-lieu payment alternatives • Off-site alternatives IV. RECOMMENDATION LURF respectfully recommends that prior to imposing any affordable housing conditions on industrial properties, the Council and County should implement the following, • Complete the required unbiased and detailed studies. The Council and County should work with the private sector to conduct the required unbiased and detailed studies prior to imposing requirements and conditions which would require industrial park developments to provide workforce or affordable housing or workforce or affordable housing credits; • Satisfy the "Essential Nexus" and "Rough Proportionality" Tests as required by the U.S. Suareme Court. As explained in LURF's prior testimony, and in the case summaries provided above, the Council and County should confirm with the Corporation Counsel that the required studies satisfy the essential nexus and rough proportionality tests and that all affordable housing requirements and conditions will comply with constitutional requirements; and