KipuKai Kualiʻi, chair of the Kauai County Council’s Housing Committee, discussed the county’s latest efforts to boost homebuilding. Photo by Ted Kefalas.
The Grassroot Institute and Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice took their housing forum on the road to Kauai last week, bringing together a diverse group of residents, community leaders and county officials who all agree: Fewer regulations are key to more housing.
The event, “Building common ground: Expanding housing in Hawaii,” attracted about 25 attendees in Lihue to explore practical housing reforms. It was sponsored by the Rice Street Business Association.
Hawaii Rep. Luke Evslin of Kauai, who also spoke last month during a similar forum held in Honolulu, was on hand to discuss legislative victories aimed at speeding up homebuilding and outlined his plans for future sessions as chair of the House Housing Committee.
Additionally, Arjuna Heim, Hawai‘i Appleseed housing policy director, explained how inclusionary zoning, which forces builders to sell a portion of units below market, has actually slowed affordable housing development.
Heim was followed by Ted Kefalas, Grassroot director of strategic campaigns, who highlighted the need for farmworker housing, which is critical for both agricultural production and housing supply.
And KipuKai Kualiʻi, chair of the Kaua‘i Council’s Housing Committee, concluded the discussion by talking about the county’s latest efforts to streamline approvals and boost homebuilding on the island.
