HB Status as of 2/14/25:
This bill has passed out of its first two committees (HSG & JHA) with amendments and is currently awaiting a hearing by the House FIN committee.
SB Status as of 2/4/25:
This bill was deferred by the Senate HOU committee. This bill is dead.
Why Hawaiʻi YIMBY Supports This Bill:
Concerns about homes being used solely as short-term investment properties, rather than as a home to a long-term local member of the community persist. Many Hawaiʻi buyers struggle to compete financially with non-Hawaiʻi buyers, due to lack of financing options and non-dedicated housing inventory.
This bill seeks to establish a program that allows eligible homeowners and homebuyers access to grant money through a voluntary deed restriction purchased by the county. The voluntary deed restriction would help create a stock of housing broadly dedicated to those who work and live in Hawaiʻi.
Bill Description:
- Establishes the Kamaʻāina Homes Program to provide funding to the counties to purchase voluntary deed restrictions from eligible homeowners or homebuyers. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
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.