Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Support This Bill:
In order to build more housing, those new homes need to go somewhere. And in some cases, building more homes will involve redeveloping existing homes into denser housing types. It is of the utmost importance that those who are displaced by these additional homes be protected so that they can have the opportunity to stay and afford in the community they live in.
This bill seeks to establish standards on how existing tenants who are facing displacement are provided fair, uniform and equitable treatment.
Developers of State-funded housing projects would be required to give existing tenants the "right of first refusal" to a comparable unit in the new housing project at an affordable price. This means that existing tenants would have the first offer to return to a similar home, and their housing costs would remain affordable, before the home is offered to another person.
Developers would also need to create a fund to assist with relocation benefits and ensure ample communication with exiting tenants regarding their rights.
Bill Description:
- Requires developers developing an affordable housing project under HHFDC to assist certain tenants who are subject to displacement or eviction by the proposed project by: granting those tenants the right of first refusal of a comparable unit in the housing project at an affordable rate; establishing a fund to provide relocation benefits; providing information, either directly or through a contracted service, on how to obtain assistance and exercise the right of first refusal; and establishing procedures to maintain communication with those tenants.
This page will be updated periodically throughout the legislative session. For the most up-to-date status, please visit the bill's page on the Hawai'i State Legislature's website.