Access to stable, affordable long-term housing, with particular emphasis on access to Hawaiian Home Lands, has remained a priority policy concern for OHA beneficiaries for many years. Lack of access to affordable housing within our community is evidenced by, among other social indicators, the increasing rate of out-migration by longtime residents and the growing number of houseless ʻohana.
To address the housing crisis, OHA’s 2026 legislative package included a bill to cap annual rent increases at 3% (SB2539/HB2105). Similar tenant protections have been enacted in other states, especially to prevent price gouging following natural disasters such as wildfires.
Unfortunately, this bill did not receive a hearing in either the House or Senate even though rent on Moku o Keawe, Maui, and Kauaʻi increased 54%, 52%, and 23%, respectively, between 2019 and 2024.
OHA was repeatedly told by legislators that tenant protections are not feasible because developers won’t build new housing if profits are constrained.
OHA has become one of the few voices advocating for smarter regulations amid a growing chorus that posits “building more” as the only solution to Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis. But units do not naturally ʻtrickle down’ when new luxury developments are built. Rather, there is endless elasticity for mostly out-of-state investors to buy up multiple units for the sole purpose of profit, rather than as a primary or secondary residence.
This lived experience reinforces that without workforce housing mandates and affordability guardrails, housing and rent prices will continue to outpace local incomes and purchasing power.
Although OHA’s package bills died, OHA advocated for the following housing affordability measures that are advancing to conference:
SB3048 SD1 HD1
This proposal from the SPEED Task Force aims to improve agency coordination and data sharing to expedite housing construction for those who need it most without compromising environmental and cultural protections. In contrast, broad exemptions from regulatory requirements risk undermining protections required by the state constitution – including those for iwi kūpuna – without meaningful benefit to the public.
HB1741 HD2 SD1
OHA, joined by other advocacy groups like Locals In My Backyard (LIMBY), is asking the legislature to reconsider this measure, which removes or creates hurdles for the counties to mandate affordable housing. County zoning authority is an important regulatory tool for producing affordable housing for local residents, enabling flexibility to meet local demand, and providing space for innovation. Restricting county authority in this space will slow down new pilot programs and workforce housing solutions.
SB2405 SD1 HD2
OHA supported, and was added as a member to, the proposed Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group. This working group will help to examine the need for agricultural workforce housing in each of the counties, as well as necessary guardrails to ensure loopholes aren’t exploited for “gentlemen farms” and other uses that do not support food production.
Preservation of agricultural lands for agricultural uses is not only critical for food sovereignty but also for open spaces, rural lifestyles, and watershed management.
Ultimately, new construction is not directly linked to the supply of housing accessible to the state’s residents. Rather, strong housing policies are necessary to ensure we deliver homes across a range of incomes, help those with the greatest need, and make sure we plan and build in appropriate areas where we have wai and infrastructure support, and that we don’t compromise on cultural and environmental protections to get there.
The goal is not just to build more housing; it is to ensure that the housing we build meets local needs.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Public Policy Team includes Leināʻala Ley, Deja Ostrowski, Imiloa Borland, Sharde Freitas, Michele McCoy, Kamaile Puluole-Mitchell, and McKenna Woodward.
