HOUSING FOR ALL
GOOD POLICY LEADS TO MORE HOUSING
Current affordable housing policies in Maui County do not fully address the fundamental challenges of creating new housing that can retain its affordability. Here are several immediate actions the County Council should consider to boost housing creation for kamaʻāina residents and families, sooner than later.
- Reduce red-tape and redundant regulations that delay projects
- Prioritize funding of infrastructure that supports new home construction
- Encourage ʻohana unit construction
- Provide incentives for supply-based homebuilding
- Promote public-private partnerships
FACTORS THAT WILL MOST INFLUENCE NEW HOME PRODUCTION
Land, laws, labor, lumber, lending and location are all critical factors that influence new housing production in Maui Nui. By understanding and addressing these factors, Maui County can create a more conducive environment for housing development, helping to increase the housing supply and make homes more affordable for residents.
LAND
The availability of land, or lots, is a fundamental factor in housing production. In Maui County, where land is limited and often expensive, this can be a significant barrier to housing production. Policies that increase the availability of buildable land, such as changes to zoning laws or the use of public land for housing, can help boost housing production. Additionally, strategies that make better use of existing land, such as infill development or the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), can also increase housing supply.
LAWS
Laws and regulations, such as zoning laws, building codes, and permitting processes, have significant impact on housing production. While these laws are necessary to ensure safety and quality of life, over restrictive or complex regulations can hinder housing production by making it more difficult and costly to build homes. Therefore, efforts to streamline regulations and reduce red tape can help stimulate housing production.
LABOR
The availability and cost of labor significantly influence new housing production across Maui County. A skilled and readily available workforce is essential for any construction project. However, labor shortages or high labor costs can delay projects and increase the cost of housing. Therefore, initiatives to train and attract construction workers, such as vocational training programs or immigration policies, can help boost housing production.
LUMBER
The cost and availability of building materials, including lumber, significantly influence housing production. Increases in lumber prices or shortages of materials can delay projects and increase the cost of housing. Therefore, strategies to ensure a stable supply of affordable building materials, such as trade policies or investments in domestic production, can support housing production.
LENDING
Access to capital is crucial for new housing production. Developers rely on loans to finance construction of projects, while potential homeowners need mortgages to buy homes. The terms and availability of these loans, which are influenced by interest rates, lending standards, and the overall health of the financial sector, can significantly impact housing production. For instance, favorable lending conditions can stimulate housing production by making it easier for developers to finance projects and for buyers to afford homes.
LOCATION
Location plays a crucial role in housing development as it directly influences factors such as accessibility, desirability, and property values. A favorable location with good infrastructure, proximity to essential amenities, and transportation hubs often attracts developers and potential homebuyers, leading to increased demand and higher property prices. On the other hand, a less desirable location may pose challenges for developers in terms of marketability and profitability, highlighting the significance of carefully selecting a suitable location for successful housing development projects.
RESOURCES
Governor’s Office | July 2023
Governor Josh Green Housing Emergency Proclamation
Read more about this boldbold measure aimed at addressing the critical housing crisis with urgent and comprehensive actions.
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Hawaii DBEDT | March 2023
Housing Market Dashboard
The State of Hawaii’s housing dashboard provides up-to-date tracking of housing-related data, such as home sales and building permit issuances, offering valuable insights to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to address the housing crisis.
Read More
Maui Now | June 2023
Mayor Signs 1.07 Billion dollar budget into law. Includes funds for affordable housing.
County increased funding for affordable housing, and $184 million for capital projects and infrastructure, aiming to improve the lives of residents and address the county’s housing and financial needs.
Read More