Affordable Living

Issue

An up-to-the-minute study needs to be conducted that identifies the actual scope of specific housing needs (for all income levels including transitional units, subsidized rentals, workforce housing and affordable homes for purchase) district by district. The impact of affordable units under construction or in planning stages must be considered within the study. We need to identify real numbers in real time, and update regularly.

Information presently available shows the median family income in Hawaii County
1) excludes more than half of all households from home ownership, and
2) overburdens 30% of all households with shelter expenses.

Approximately 15,520 households in Hawaii County are cost burdened (paying more than 30 percent of household income on housing costs). How do people cope?
• According to the County Consolidated Plan in 2003, 7 percent or 3,800+ households in the County were overcrowded.
• 15 percent, approximately 8,200 households were overcrowded and/or have multiple families living together.

Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) anticipates Hawaii County population increasing by 700 new households annually. Is this information still valid and, if so, are we ready?

Position

1) Innovative public-private solutions are needed to provide single- and multi-family housing that Hawaii County residents can afford to purchase and/or rent.
2) Promote economic vibrancy and diversity to boost median income.
3) Quantify the need for affordable living spaces in all categories (transitional, workforce housing, rentals, and ownership).
4) Identify barriers. Examine state/county policies and permitting including density. Implement true fast-tracking.
5) Fund a County Affordable Housing Czar with complete authority and responsibility to achieve set goals including acquisition of federal funds.
6) Study/revise present qualification guidelines for those seeking housing.
7) Rehabilitate empty affordable rentals and keep all projects maintained.
8) Promote smart growth principles – in urban centers, build housing where jobs are and create jobs where housing exists.
9) Use public assets (land, water, and infrastructure) along with private ingenuity and capital to build affordable living spaces. Mandate Department of Water front costs for all affordable housing projects. Utilize bonds for financing mechanisms.
10) Partner for-profit with non-profit organizations to get the job done.
11) Develop educational programs to convert renters to homeowners.