RESIDENTIAL WORKFORCE HOUSING ORDINANCE UP FOR REVIEW
(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009)
The county’s Residential Workforce Housing ordinance comes up for a scheduled review next week. Public Services Committee Chair Wayne Nishiki said it is a vital time to review the law given the critical shortage of affordable housing in Maui County.
“Our residents continue to suffer from the critical shortage of affordable housing in Maui County, forcing our resident workforce to leave the county in search of affordable housing,” said Nishiki.
“This shortage, amidst the current economic downturn of our county, makes it vital that we take the time to review the law and determine if amendments are necessary to fulfill the original intent of the policy,” said Nishiki.
The policy was adopted in 2006 over a mayoral veto of the measure. It was designed to encourage the purchase and rental of housing for those in the workforce, students and special housing target groups. Maui also has laws that require developers seeking to build five or more new units, to provide 40-50% of all units at affordable ranges.
Under Maui County codes, the council must review the policy every two years, in order to assess its impact. Such a review could result in changes, if needed, in order to further the legislative intent of the policy. The review is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11th in the Council Chambers.
Public testimony will be accepted during the meeting. The committee will also hear from the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns.
(Place holder image by Wendy OSHER © 2009)
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