This bill has been proposed over concerns that the current handling of Maui affordable housing lists is not meeting the community’s needs. This bill aims to have affordable units sold to long-term residents and not those desiring to sell the properties at market price, when able. Another benefit to these changes is that residents could be placed on an affordable housing list and start preparing for a future purchase while waiting for the right project to come up.

The Deputy Director of Housing and Human Concerns voiced that they support aspects of the bill. Still, they are concerned that it could slow down the affordable housing process and raise prices. There are also concerns over how a person’s length of residency would be determined, and the possible legal issues that the county could be responsible for. Developers have voiced concerns for extended the buying period and liability issues causing increased costs, which could be passed on to the county or home buyer.

With the proposal, it has been stated that costs for amending this bill and changes needed on the county staffing level would be paid for through the new transient accommodation tax and property tax adjustments. More about how Bill 111 affects Maui affordable housing and the recent council meeting agenda that the bill was discussed at can be found at: mauicounty.us/agendas/

Learn more about this bill and how the council is responding at:

www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2021/11/housing-list-to-prioritize-locals-draws-concerns/