STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1028

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 599

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 599, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE PLAN,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Amend the Hawaii State Planning Act to prioritize housing opportunities for extremely low- to above moderate- income households;

 

     (2)  Require periodic updates to functional plans; and

 

     (3)  Amend the member nomination process for advisory committees for functional plans.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

     Your Committee finds that the cost of housing in Hawaii is among the highest in the nation.  Your Committee further finds that the Hawaii state plan is an important tool for shaping the policy priorities in Hawaii.  Your Committee additionally finds that the Hawaii state plan in general, and the functional plans generated by various state agencies in particular, can provide necessary guidance and incentives for the development of affordable housing units throughout the State.  This measure will refine the State's priority of providing affordable housing and ensure that state agencies maintain updated functional plans in their respective areas.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 599, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 599, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Housing,

 

 

 

________________________________

WILL ESPERO, Chair