STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3324

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2238

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 2238, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC HOUSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require public housing projects and affordable housing developments funded by county or state funds to remain affordable in perpetuity.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Mayor of Maui County.  The Office of Housing and Community Development of the County of Hawaii submitted testimony in opposition.

     Your Committee finds that providing affordable housing for Hawaii's residents continues to be one of the State's most significant and challenging social problems.  With rising rental costs and a shrinking rental market, it is imperative that the State reassure families living in housing projects that their residences will not be sold to the highest bidder.  This measure provides that assurance by requiring public housing projects and affordable housing developments funded by county or state funds to remain affordable in perpetuity.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2238, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair