Aloha Friend,

Yesterday, Governor Josh Green signed several bills that will expand access to affordable housing and provide much-needed assistance to families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless.

Chip in now to support Josh’s efforts to build affordable housing and reduce homelessness in Hawaii.

“Since taking office, tackling the hard issues of housing and homelessness has been at the forefront of my administration’s efforts,” Governor Green said. “Unless we address the lack of affordable housing in our state head-on, the housing crisis will continue to affect the quality of life for all our communities, which is why I am pleased to be signing various bills that work to provide some solutions to help those most in need.”

Act 96 will encourage the financing of affordable residential housing projects by increasing the investment limit and allowing banks to invest in entities formed to invest in developing residential properties that qualify for low-income housing tax credits.

Act 97 will increase the number of affordable residential leasehold units in our state by establishing a 99-year leasehold program to develop low-cost homes on state- and county-owned land in an urban redevelopment site to be sold in leasehold by the Hawaii Community Development Authority to qualified residents.

Act 98 will help kūpuna and older adults and families avoid becoming homeless by temporarily expanding the State Rent Supplement Program specifically for qualified persons who are sixty-two years of age or older and are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless through funding from the Hawaii State Rent Supplement Program will help eligible families by subsidizing part of their monthly rent.

Act 99 repeals the percentage requirements related to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s admission of applicants into federal and state low-income public housing units, giving HPHA the ability to prioritize its public housing inventory to allow greater preference for those who are the most in need, including families and individuals experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence, and those who are displaced.

“Each of these bills will get us one step closer to providing long-term housing solutions and easing our housing crisis,” Governor Green said, "but it’s just the beginning.”

Friend, thank you for supporting Josh and being a part of Team Green.

Mahalo,

Team Green