HOUSE BILL KEEPS FRONT STREET HOUSING AFFORDABLE

Rep. McKelvey's bill protects, expands home options for low income residents

The House today moved to ensure the continued availability of affordable rental housing on Maui, including the Front Street Apartments project and the Leialiʻi affordable housing project, by passing HB543 HD1 SD1 CD1.

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei), who was one of the bill's introducers, said it is critical to protect the limited affordable housing available on Maui.

"Low income families and the elderly need homes that are both affordable and secure," said McKelvey. "The Front Street Apartments were built using state financing with 142 affordable units and very nearly were moved to market rates. Lawmakers intend to make sure these homes remain affordable."

The bill directs the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to initiate negotiations and exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire the Front Street Apartments unless the ground lease is renegotiated or a new lease is issued by December 31, 2019.

In addition, the bill appropriates $37 million from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund for fiscal year 2019-2020 to expedite and complete the construction of Leialiʻi affordable housing project in Lahaina by 2022.

"With the cost of buying a home out of reach for many people, lawmakers know how important it is to support affordable housing," said Rep. McKelvey.