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GM 1266

Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1298 HD3 SD1 CD1 (ACT 166).

2025 Regular Session

Act 166 establishes a housing program for state employees in Hawaii, providing affordable rentals to reduce turnover and support workforce stability and urban development.

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Bill Summary · GM 1266

Summary of Bill GM 1266

Bill Number: GM 1266
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1298 HD3 SD1 CD1 (ACT 166)
Status: Received
Introduced: June 03, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 166

Purpose and Intent

Bill GM 1266 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor has signed into law House Bill 1298, which is now designated as Act 166. The primary intent of Act 166 is to address the growing challenges in recruiting and retaining state employees by establishing a government employee housing program. This program aims to provide affordable rental opportunities for state employees, thereby reducing turnover and enhancing workforce stability.

Key Provisions of Act 166

  1. Establishment of a Housing Program:

    • A government employee housing program will be created within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
    • The program will be financed through the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund.

  2. Affordable Housing Units:

    • The program will focus on creating affordable residential rental units on state-owned land, specifically targeting government employees and the general public.

  3. Project Prioritization:

    • The housing projects will prioritize newly hired permanent full-time state employees, followed by other state and county employees, and then the general public.
    • At least 60% of the available units will be reserved for government employees with incomes at or below 140% of the median family income for the area.

  4. Location and Development:

    • The program will be limited to one project on a transit-oriented development site, which is defined as state-owned land within a one-mile radius of a mass transit station.

  5. Regulatory Framework:

    • The program will not be subject to certain procurement laws, allowing for streamlined development processes.
    • The corporation will be required to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing project progress, barriers to development, and demand for housing.

  6. Acquisition of Property:

    • Counties may sell or lease real property to the corporation without public auction, facilitating the acquisition of land necessary for housing development.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are state and county employees, who will gain access to affordable housing options. The general public may also benefit from the increased availability of rental units.
  • Workforce Stability: By providing affordable housing, the bill aims to reduce employee turnover, thereby addressing critical labor shortages within state government.
  • Urban Development: The initiative aligns with ongoing urban development efforts, particularly in conjunction with the construction of the elevated rail transit system in Honolulu, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law by the Governor on June 3, 2025.
  • Legislative Reporting: The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation is mandated to report annually to the legislature, ensuring transparency and accountability in the program's implementation.

In summary, GM 1266 serves as a formal acknowledgment of Act 166, which aims to improve housing accessibility for government employees in Hawaii, thereby enhancing workforce retention and contributing to urban development initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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