As we enter the 2025 Legislative Session, there is a sense of optimism about the potential outcomes for our state, particularly in addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing. The dedication and cooperation of our legislators present an opportunity to resolve this long-standing issue and create a brighter future for all Hawaiians.
In my role as Maui’s trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), I remain committed to serving the Hawaiian people, from Hawaiʻi Island to Niʻihau. With over 13 years of experience as a trustee, I understand the importance of reassessing my responsibilities.
To effectively fulfill my fiduciary duties, I am focused on renewing our commitment to OHA’s strategic plan, which emphasizes four key areas: educational pathways, health outcomes, quality housing, and economic stability. Additionally, we are strengthening our efforts in new “endowment strategies” aimed at managing financial and commercial resources and effectively stewarding our lands and natural resources.
A significant development for this legislative session is the introduction of a bill to repeal the “no housing” restriction on OHA lands in Kakaʻako Makai. This restriction, imposed under Act 15 when certain lands were transferred to OHA, currently prevents residential development. The new bill proposes lifting this restriction on specific parcels, enabling OHA to generate maximum income from these lands by developing them for residential use.
The need for this measure is urgent. Hawaiʻi faces a severe shortage of affordable housing, with housing costs 2.7 times higher than the national average. Since 1990, housing costs have tripled, leading to a median price of $850,000 for a single-family home. This pricing is out of reach for many families, making it difficult for them to buy or rent homes in the state. Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted, with the highest poverty rates and the lowest median household incomes compared to other ethnic groups. This has contributed to houselessness and the outmigration of Native Hawaiians in search of better opportunities.
In light of this housing crisis, it is essential that some of the residential units developed on OHA lands be allocated for workforce housing. Essential workers such as nurses, police officers, firefighters, and teachers are critical to the functioning of our communities, yet many cannot afford housing in Hawaiʻi. Without affordable housing options, we risk losing these vital professionals to other states where housing costs are more reasonable.
The potential development of OHA’s Kakaʻako Makai lands represents a major opportunity to address the housing shortage. Lifting the restriction would allow OHA to master plan the 30+ acres of land transferred to us in 2012 as compensation for back-owed funds from the state which were intended as part of OHA’s share of Public Land Trust revenue.
In 2012, these lands were valued at approximately $200 million, assuming residential development was possible. However, without the ability to build housing, the lands are currently appraised at only $40 million.
By lifting the housing restriction, we can unlock the full potential of these lands and benefit both OHA and the Hawaiian community as a whole. The introduction of this bill is a crucial step in addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that our communities remain sustainable and vibrant.
As the legislative session unfolds, I am hopeful that lawmakers will prioritize the needs of our people and work collaboratively to find effective solutions. Through shared commitment, we can work toward a more equitable future for all residents of Hawaiʻi.
