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Bill to remove minimum parking mandates in urban districts wins wide support at hearing
Summary
Supporters told committees SB 2981 would lower housing costs by removing minimum off‑street parking requirements in urban districts; witnesses cited per‑stall construction costs up to $100,000 and urged the legislature to give developers flexibility to reduce housing prices.
Senate Bill 2981 would prohibit minimum off‑street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and make related conforming amendments.
Witnesses testified in strong support. Perry Arosmith, director of policy at Housing Hawaii's Future, said parking mandates add substantial per‑unit costs — quoting earlier testimony that a single parking stall can cost up to $100,000 — and urged flexibility to decouple parking costs from housing prices. Ted Kefalas of the Grassroot Institute said removing mandates does not eliminate parking but lets the market determine demand and reduces costs that otherwise appear in rent and home prices.
Committee members discussed concerns about equity and impacts in nonurban districts and a senator said she would vote with reservations because removing minimum parking could affect residents in less‑urban parts of her district. The committee on water and land recommended passing SB 2981 unamended; the housing committee adopted the chairs’ recommendation to pass with amendments and recorded reservations.
