HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2748
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018		H.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 2

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HOUSING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that individuals with access and functional needs face significant obstacles in obtaining suitable, long-term affordable housing. According to the Hawaii Housing Planning Study, 2016, many individuals with access and functional needs have difficulty in securing long-term affordable housing because of their low incomes and their need for easily accessible supportive services. Many housing options suitable for individuals with access and functional needs are only temporary, which impedes their ability to live independently for a significant period of time.

The legislature further finds that the State's ability to formulate strategies to enable individuals with access and functional needs to secure suitable and affordable housing is hindered by the lack of data about the housing issues faced by individuals with access and functional needs.

The purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation to conduct a study of the housing waitlists in the State and in each county to gain a better understanding of the current and future demand and supply of affordable housing suitable for individuals with access and functional needs.

SECTION 2. (a) The Hawaii housing finance and development corporation shall conduct a study of the housing waitlists in the State and in each county to:

(1) Estimate the number of individuals with access and functional needs in Hawaii, including but not limited to frail elderly individuals, individuals with physical or severe mental disabilities, individuals transitioning from incarceration, emancipated foster youth, individuals with an alcohol or drug addiction, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and victims of domestic violence, who are in need of housing;

(2) Identify the supportive services that individuals with access and functional needs require and inventory the number of providers of supportive services in each county;

(3) Develop an information system to forecast and monitor the number of individuals with access and functional needs who are seeking affordable housing; and

(4) Develop effective strategies to assist individuals with access and functional needs in accessing and retaining affordable housing in independent settings.

The Hawaii housing finance and development corporation shall consult with community stakeholders to identify any other issues that should be included in the study's scope of work.

(b) The Hawaii housing finance and development corporation shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2019.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the purposes of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Individuals with Access and Functional Needs; Housing Waitlist Study; HHFDC; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to conduct a study of the housing waitlists in the State and in each county to gain a better understanding of the current and future demand and supply of affordable housing suitable for individuals with access and functional needs. Makes an appropriation. Effective 1/1/2050. (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.