GOVERNOR FOCUSES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

September 21 - At the blessing and dedication of The Courtyards at Mililani Mauka, a 48-unit affordable rental project, Governor Lingle reaffirmed her administration's commitment to easing Hawai`i's affordable housing shortage and announced the establishment of the Affordable Housing Regulatory Barriers Task Force.

The task force will identify regulatory barriers that add to the cost of housing or prevent construction of housing in the state and recommend to the Governor solutions that can help reduce the cost of affordable housing.

"Working together, we will continue to make progress in preserving affordable housing units, as well as developing opportunities for families and seniors through public-private partnerships," Governor Lingle said. 

"This task force, which is another important part of the process, will help identify government regulations, practices or policies that can significantly increase the time and costs involved in building a home," she added.

The Courtyards at Mililani Mauka is a public-private partnership between the state's Hawai`i Housing Finance Development Corporation, Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation, Castle & Cooke Homes Hawai`i and the City and County of Honolulu.

The Governor also recently participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for more than 100 affordable rental apartments for kupuna in Wahiawa and Kapolei.

• Read the news release.