THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

56

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

Urging state entities to give priority to applicants who work within twenty-five miles of the housing applied for under affordable, reserved, and workforce housing programs.

 

 


     WHEREAS, the State is in need of affordable housing for its workers; and

 

     WHEREAS, there are a number of benefits for workers who live in close proximity to their place of work; and

 

     WHEREAS, benefits of living near work include reduced risk of traffic accidents due to less time spent in a vehicle; money saved on gas; minimized stress of lengthy commutes; reduced pollution; increased reliability and productivity of workers; improved personal health, especially if the worker walks or bikes; improved life-work balance; improved relationships as workers spend less time commuting and more time with friends and family; and overall improved quality of life; and

 

     WHEREAS, mixed use development that allows for people to live and work in the same area also leads to greater economic development of local restaurants and shops, and support of small businesses; and

 

     WHEREAS, affordable, reserved, and workforce housing programs qualify applicants according to a number of factors; and

 

WHEREAS, giving a preference to workers who work in close proximity to housing developments can increase the well-being of many of Hawaii's workers; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, that any state entity who qualifies applicants for any affordable, reserved, or workforce housing is urged to give priority to applicants who work within twenty-five miles of the housing applied for under their respective housing programs; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Human Services; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Chairperson the Hawaii Community Development Authority; and Chairperson of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Affordable Housing; Workforce Housing; Priority to Workers in Vicinity