Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rhrf 30 Ami Setaside topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee defers bill that would remove 30% AMI set-aside from RHRF eligibility amid concerns over low-income unit production
Summary
Senate Bill 42, which would repeal statutory requirements that some RHRF projects reserve at least 5% of units for households at or below 30% of area median income, was deferred after testimony highlighted high demand for 30% AMI units and concerns that repeal could reduce production of deeply affordable units.
The Senate Committee on Housing deferred Senate Bill 42, which would repeal statutory language requiring certain projects seeking Rental Housing Revolving Fund (RHRF) loans to set aside at least 5% of available units for households at or below 30% of area median income (AMI), and would remove matching grant language and preference criteria tied to 30% AMI units.
Dean Minakami of HHFDC warned that there is high demand for rental units at the 30% AMI level and that producing those units typically requires patient capital sources such as RHRF long-term financing; he said the measure has the potential to reduce the amount of 30% AMI units produced. Catholic Charities Hawaii's Betty Lou Larsen testified in opposition, saying the mandated 5% of units targeted to 30% AMI residents are "the most critical units to house the most vulnerable in our state" and citing a provider survey indicating a high share of tenants in RHRF projects are below 30% AMI.
Committee discussion included the chair's observation that more than 30% of LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) units in Hawaii are occupied by households at 30% AMI, suggesting demand exceeds current program targeting and raising questions about the program's ability to reach its intended beneficiaries. The chair said that observation informed the decision to defer SB 42 for further consideration.
Action: SB 42 was deferred by the committee; no committee vote to pass was recorded.
