The County of Hawaii has announced a public hearing to gather community input on proposed amendments to the Affordable Housing Production Program Administrative Rules. The hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2023, at 1:30 pm in the Council Chambers of the County Building in Hilo.

The Affordable Housing Production Program is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Hawaii County. The program provides incentives for the development of affordable housing units, helping to ensure that local residents have access to housing that is within their financial means.

The proposed amendments to the Administrative Rules are intended to streamline the application process, clarify eligibility criteria, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. The changes would also increase transparency and accountability in the administration of the program.

The proposed amendments include changes to the definition of affordable housing, the income limits for eligible households, and the requirements for project financing and development. The amendments also include new provisions for the monitoring and enforcement of compliance with program requirements.

Members of the public are invited to attend the public hearing and provide testimony on the proposed amendments. Written testimony may also be submitted in advance of the hearing to the Department of Housing and Community Development.

The proposed amendments to the Affordable Housing Production Program Administrative Rules are available for review on the County of Hawaii website at https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/dhcd. For more information, please contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at (808) 961-8331.

PC: kevin smith skystudiohawaii