55. Create Affordable Housing for the Citizens of Hawai`i

WHEREAS All citizens of the State of Hawai`i are entitled to safe, decent, affordable HOMES not housing, and

WHEREAS that homes were built for homeowners to live in, therefore a minimum “10 years live on property clause” should be part of the qualification standard sand   

WHEREAS the average cost of a home in (Kihei, Maui) 2005 was $745,454 and the median income for a household is $58,300, and

WHEREAS many of our young families are being forced to move from this County because of the high cost of housing, and

WHEREAS the ability of a family of modest means to own a home has declined steadily over the post 30 years, and

WHEREAS the utilization of existing construction apprentice programs in conjunction with self-help(Sweat Equity) housing for on the job training to be a part of the criteria for journeymen status and provide tax credits for companies that support these programs, and

WHEREAS the escalation of the real estate market requires families of low and moderate income to pay more than 30% of their income for housing costs, and

WHEREAS it is critical that the County of Maui and the State of Hawai`i support the development of affordable single family homes and rental units to serve working families and individuals with special needs (elderly, physically and emotionally disabled, etc),

WHEREAS a percentage of the property transfer tax revenue could provide loans and grants to non-profit housing development organizations to develop perpetual affordable housing.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Maui County Democratic Party urge the Maui County Council and Mayor to immediately establish mechanisms and procedures to expand affordable housing opportunities, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maui County Democratic Party urge our State Legislators to support appropriate legislation to provide a mechanism that will make funds available for affordable housing for households with incomes at or below median income.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Senator Daniel Inouye and Senator Daniel Akaka.