Housing

passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1733: RELATING TO THE HOUSING LOAN AND MORTGAGE PROGRAM.

HB 1733 increases the maximum bond amount authorized under the state's Hula Mae Multifamily Housing Program, allowing more funds to finance affordable rental housing statewide. This directly affects developers building or maintaining low-income housing projects and residents relying on these affordable units. The bill raises the funding ceiling to prevent the program from hitting current limits, ensuring continued support for housing affordability. It does not change eligibility rules but expands available capital for housing projects across the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases bond funding ceiling for affordable housing program, expanding state budget allocation for public housing services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases funding ceiling for affordable housing program, directly expanding financial support for low-income rental housing development without eligibility changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Affordable Housing Housing Finance Mortgages

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SCR 12: URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROVIDE OWNER-OCCUPANTS WITH COMPARABLY EQUIVALENT TAX DEDUCTIONS AFFORDED TO BUSINESS ENTITIES FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO PROPERTY OWNERSHIP.

This Hawaii Senate resolution (SCR 12) urges the U.S. Congress to change federal tax law so that homeowners (owner-occupants) can deduct the same property-related expenses as business property owners. Currently, businesses like real estate investment trusts (REITs) can deduct costs such as depreciation, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities, but homeowners are limited to deducting only mortgage interest. The resolution states this disparity creates an unfair tax disadvantage for Hawaii homeowners, hindering affordability as housing costs are a major barrier. It does not create new law but formally requests Congress to address this imbalance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSeeks to expand tax deductions for homeowners, aligning with business deductions to reduce tax burden. Directly addresses tax equity for middle-income households, fulfilling tax relief indicator.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill seeks tax equity for homeowners by expanding deductible expenses, directly addressing property rights within housing policy as defined in the topic description.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Affordable Housing Homeownership Property Taxes

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 147: RELATING TO ATTACHMENT AND EXECUTION OF REAL PROPERTY.

HB 147 increases the amount of real property (like homes or land) protected from seizure when creditors attempt to collect debts. It directly affects homeowners and renters facing debt collection actions by raising the exemption threshold, meaning more property value remains shielded from forced sale. The key mechanism is a specific dollar amount increase for the exemption, which would prevent creditors from attaching or executing against a larger portion of a property's value. This bill is currently pending in committee, with recent actions recommending it be deferred for further review. It has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases property exemption from debt seizure, protecting homeowners and renters from forced sale, strengthening tenant protections and housing stability.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 581: RELATING TO HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.

HB 581 appropriates state funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for constructing new housing units specifically for Native Hawaiians. The bill directly affects Native Hawaiians who qualify for DHHL housing programs by expanding available housing through new construction. Its key provision is allocating budgetary resources to DHHL for this purpose, without altering eligibility rules or existing program structures. The bill is currently pending in the 2025 legislative session after being referred to relevant committees.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds new DHHL housing construction for Native Hawaiians, directly expanding affordable housing access through state appropriations without restricting eligibility.95% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 27: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Exempts housing developments that have obtained financing commitments from the State from the requirement to obtain approval from the applicable county council. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts state-financed housing projects from county approval, reducing development barriers and advancing housing construction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 22, 2026

SB 2082: RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.

Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program at public schools classified as rural or underserved. Requires the Department of Education to administer the program and report findings to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates funds for teacher housing stipend program, directly funding a public service initiative under state budget authority.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds teacher housing stipends for rural/underserved schools to retain educators, directly supporting teacher workforce stability in education access areas.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds teacher housing stipends in underserved areas, directly advancing affordable housing access for educators through legislative appropriation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Teachers Affordable Housing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 693: RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

HB 693 restricts how much and how often landlords can increase rent for residential tenants, directly affecting both landlords and renters in the state. The bill limits the total annual rent increase to a specific cap and restricts the frequency of raises within a twelve-month period. This would require landlords to adhere to a set annual limit on rent hikes for all covered residential properties under the state's landlord-tenant code. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts annual rent increases and frequency, directly protecting tenants from excessive hikes and advancing affordability under landlord-tenant code.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 156: RELATING TO HOUSING.

Requires certain landlords to provide a specified notice to a tenant regarding the tenant's potential right to purchase the property, under certain conditions. Allows tenants, families, local governments, affordable housing nonprofits, and community land trusts forty-five days to match or beat the best bona fide offer to buy an eligible affordable housing property.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to notify tenants of purchase rights, enabling tenants to match offers and preserve affordable housing properties through 45-day matching period.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Tenant Rights

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 2611: RELATING TO ANTITRUST.

Prohibits the use of algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii's rental market. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to develop and undertake a public education program regarding the prohibition. Establishes fines and penalties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits algorithmic price-setting in rental market to prevent unfair rent increases, protecting tenant rights and promoting fair pricing in housing.90% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 2210: RELATING TO HOUSING DISCRIMINATION.

SB 2210 allows Hawaii's Civil Rights Commission to prosecute housing discrimination based on a tenant's source of income, such as public benefits, housing vouchers, or disability payments. This directly affects landlords and housing providers who may deny housing or impose unfair terms due to how a tenant pays rent. The bill gives the Commission new authority to take legal action in these cases, rather than relying solely on private lawsuits. It aims to address a specific gap in existing anti-discrimination protections by targeting income source as a prohibited factor. The bill passed committee with amendments in February 2026 and is now moving toward final legislative action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents housing discrimination based on income source (e.g., vouchers), strengthening tenant protections and expanding enforcement authority.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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