For Immediate Release: September 27, 2022
Press Release by:
Gabe Johnson, Councilmember
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Council passes Bill 107 on sales price guidelines for county-subsidized housing
LĀNAʻI CITY, Hawaiʻi—Councilmember Gabe Johnson announced Tuesday that the council passed on second and final reading of Bill 107 (2022) to create new guidelines for the sales price of county-subsidized housing units and provide a program within the Home Acquisition and Ownership Programs Revolving Fund to help homebuyers when a developer does not receive direct county subsidies.
Johnson said the Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, commissioned by the council last year, recommended adjusting the guidelines. The bill includes a maximum monthly payment—including principle, interest, taxes and insurance—of 31 percent of the homeowner’s income in county-subsidized developments.
“Maui County’s median sales price for houses is more than $1 million—making it nearly impossible for most local workers and middle-class families to obtain homeownership,” said Johnson, who chairs the Affordable Housing Committee, which recommended the bill’s passage. “Maui County also has the highest ‘affordable housing’ prices in the state, and this bill will now ensure that more local residents will qualify for affordable housing and workforce housing opportunities.”
The committee recommended passage of the bill on Aug. 18 after a series of meetings dating to last November. The council passed Bill 107 on first reading Sept. 2.
“The county should support, with money from the Affordable Housing Fund, responsible developers who will work with our residents,” said Johnson, who holds the council seat for the Lānaʻi residency area “We have the tools to directly support affordable housing and new homeowners, and it’s time to use them.”
“Today, I am proud to say that after a lot of hard work dedicated to creating this bill, affordable housing will now be truly affordable.”
For more information, please contact the office of Councilmember Gabe Johnson at (808) 270-7768 or the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-8008.
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