Ideas

Affordable Housing is a complex problem stemming from multiple issues, so no solution will fix everything. Many ideas and solutions must be implemented. Share yours.

 

Philanthropic Tourism

Philanthropic tourism or travel is defined as “a journey that offers an opportunity for travelers to engage with, learn from and be a partner to...

 

Hui Up

This may seem obvious, but working together with extended family is another way you can afford a home. Here in Hawaii, it’s often the norm to have...

 

Take Advantage of Tax Liens

Sometimes, finding affordable housing means thinking outside the box. One idea that can help local families continue residing in Hawaii is to take...

 

Further restrict home sales to locals

The perception is that Hawai’i homes are often scooped up by out-of-state buyers with cash and used only as vacation rentals to supplement income....

 

Housing allowance for needy families

For families that are struggling, an old bill (like SB 2150) that provides an additional stipend per month for housing can make a huge difference....

 

Change land zoning to expedite new projects

Another idea could be to loosen zoning laws and make it easier to build housing all across the state of Hawai’i. Nolan Gray is a strong advocate...

 

Expand student housing

The University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa is currently working with a private developer who is building a mixed-used affordable housing project that...

 

Return Federal leased lands to the State

The Air Force recently returned 363 leased acres on Moloka‘i back to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. This is now opening up a dialogue about...

 

Designate more affordable units for new projects via incentives

Currently, the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority and Kaua‘i County requires certain new developments to provide 20% affordable units. While...

 

Abolish down payment requirements

In 2022, Representative Gene Ward aimed to eliminate the down payment requirement on home buying in a proposed bill. If homebuyers met four...

 

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes have been trending for several years now, and could be a low-cost solution to Hawai‘i’s housing crisis. It costs much less to build a...

 

Increase density by building upward

In order to avoid monster homes (giant homes with multiple housing units) in residential neighborhoods, an alternative could be to change laws for...

 

Locally sourced modular homes

Similar to tiny homes, building a space for modular or mobile homes and trailers could be an affordable alternative to expensive homes that are...

HELP SOLVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Share your Idea

We're excited that you're interested in sharing your ideas on solving affordable housing in Hawaii. Our ideas section was designed to engage with the community and serve as a think tank. We encourage you to click on the button below to become familiar with our guidelines and to find out what we're looking for.

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