The committee on Feb. 8 voted to send House Bill 16‑31, an educator workforce housing measure, out of committee with a recommendation to pass as filed. Officials from the School Facilities Authority (SFA) and nonprofit housing partners told the committee the bill builds on ongoing SFA work to identify state lands and project sites that could provide affordable units for teachers and other DOE employees.

Lisonbee Kunishigi, Deputy Director at the School Facilities Authority, testified the SFA stands on its written testimony and is available to answer implementation questions. Supporters described the measure as a targeted step to retain and recruit educators in high‑need communities and noted potential public‑private partnerships that could use state land and affordable‑housing financing tools to make projects financially viable.

The committee noted Mililani, Nanakuli and Waipahu among priority areas identified during initial planning and discussed aligning projects with transportation and other local needs. Members voted to pass HB 16‑31 as recommended.

Why it matters: Housing affordability affects educator recruitment and retention; several districts — and school leaders — identified housing scarcity as a constraint on staffing and long commutes. The bill aims to reduce travel time and housing‑cost pressure for teachers through prioritized SFA projects and public‑private partnerships.

What’s next: HB 16‑31 will move forward for further legislative consideration; SFA and DOE will continue project scoping and developer outreach.