Housing (Zoning)

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 516: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Repeals the requirement imposed on the counties to allow for the construction of at least two accessory dwelling units on all residentially zoned lots. Establishes the accessory dwelling unit housing development program with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to award subsidies to individuals who build accessory dwelling units. Exempts those accessory dwelling units from general excise tax for the first 3 years of rental.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts ADUs from general excise tax for 3 years, providing tax relief for housing developers and renters under the HCDA program.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates HCDA subsidies and tax exemptions for ADUs, directly increasing affordable housing options through financial incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Community Development Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 1734: RELATING TO ZONING.

Prohibits the counties from imposing certain lot requirements and dwelling specifications for parcels of land zoned for residential uses located within the urban district for purposes of subdivision, development, or the issuance of a building permit, with certain exemptions. Allows the counties to establish a petition process for neighborhoods, subdivisions, or other geographically contiguous areas to establish or retain certain requirements or specifications. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits county restrictions on lot/dwelling specs in urban districts, enabling easier housing development and increasing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Land Use Zoning

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 491: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to be administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity for eligible homeowners or homebuyers to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on such property. Exempts the conveyance tax for certain properties for taxable years beginning on 1/1/2026. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds via HHFDC for ADU financing and exempts conveyance tax, supporting housing affordability through fiscal measures.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates state-funded program to finance ADU construction and deed restrictions, directly increasing housing supply and affordability through targeted funding for accessory dwelling units.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Property Development Zoning

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 2544: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes a 5-year Hawaii Builds Pilot Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Authorizes the use of the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for the Pilot Program, subject to an annual cap. Mandates interagency coordination and expedited review for projects to facilitate timely delivery of projects. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2031. (CD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes deployment of existing revolving fund moneys for affordable housing pilot program, directing appropriations toward housing needs per 50% income-targeted unit requirement.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes affordable housing pilot program with 50% units for 60-140% AMI households and funds development via revolving fund, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 806: RELATING TO HOUSING.

SB 806 requires new housing projects developed under Hawaii Revised Statutes §201H-38 to be located within county-designated transit-oriented zones. This directly affects developers building housing under this specific statute, mandating proximity to public transit infrastructure. The key provision is the location requirement, directing projects to areas prioritized for transit access as defined by county governments. The bill aims to promote housing near transit options without specifying additional funding or penalties. (Based solely on the official abstract provided.)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates transit-oriented housing locations, promoting access to public transit which reduces transportation costs and supports housing accessibility without restricting development.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates housing projects near transit zones to promote public transit access and reduce car dependency, directly advancing transit-oriented development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning Public Transit

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 740: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes the Accessory Dwelling Unit Financing and Deed Restriction Program to allocate funds to the counties for the purchase of equity in an accessory dwelling unit by the State. Specifies eligible homeowners or homebuyers for the Program to finance construction costs, development costs, and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit and purchase deed restrictions on the property. Appropriates moneys for infrastructure projects. Sunsets 1/1/2031. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds ADU construction via state equity purchase, financing costs for homeowners, and infrastructure - directly advancing affordable housing development through targeted appropriations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1812: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Establishes a 5-year Hawaii Builds Pilot Program within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and designates projects that meet specific requirements as Hawaii Builds Pilot Projects. Authorizes the Corporation to deploy moneys from the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund for predevelopment activities or as active construction equity. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2031. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes deployment of dwelling unit revolving fund moneys for housing pilot, directing budget allocation toward affordable housing programs (50% units for 60-140% AMI households).95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes pilot program funding affordable housing units for 60-140% AMI households with 50% mandate, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 1739: RELATING TO TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT.

Requires the development of transit-supportive densities to be allowed in any county-designated transit-oriented development area. Prohibits the counties from enacting an ordinance, rule, regulation, development standard, zoning provision, or other land use control that restricts the development of transit-supportive densities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits restrictions on transit-supportive densities in TOD zones, enabling higher-density housing development. This directly advances housing development by removing barriers to building more units near transit.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits county restrictions on transit-supportive densities in TOD zones, enabling higher-density development near transit to promote sustainable transportation use and infrastructure integration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning Public Transit

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 1738: RELATING TO LAND USE DECISION-MAKING.

Authorizes counties to amend district boundaries involving land areas of greater than fifteen but no more than twenty-five acres for purposes of residential housing, agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental housing, or workforce fee simple ownership. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly enables counties to expand residential and workforce housing development via boundary changes, directly advancing housing availability and affordability goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 2192: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Authorizes a county to reduce the aggregate zoned residential capacity within the county only if the county offsets that reduction by increasing zoned residential capacity elsewhere in the county, such that there is no net loss in residential capacity in the county. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents net reduction in housing capacity by requiring counties to offset local reductions with elsewhere increases, maintaining residential development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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