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HB 740

RELATING TO HOUSING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 10 co-sponsors

HB 740 boosts Hawaii's housing by streamlining Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development, increasing affordable options for low- to moderate-income residents.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 740

Summary of HB 740 - Relating to Housing

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 740 (HB 740) aims to address housing challenges in Hawaii by facilitating the development and financing of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The bill seeks to enhance housing availability and affordability, particularly for low- to moderate-income residents. It proposes measures to streamline the approval process for ADUs and provides funding mechanisms to support their construction.

Key Provisions

HB 740 includes several significant provisions:

  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The bill promotes the construction of ADUs, which are secondary housing units on residential properties. This is intended to increase the overall housing stock in Hawaii.

  • Appropriation of Funds: The bill allocates funds to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to support the development of ADUs and other affordable housing initiatives.

  • Rental Housing Revolving Fund: It establishes or enhances a revolving fund to provide financial assistance for the construction and maintenance of rental housing, including ADUs.

  • Voluntary Deed Restrictions: The bill allows for the implementation of voluntary deed restrictions to ensure that ADUs remain affordable for future tenants.

  • Purchase of Equity: It includes provisions for the purchase of equity in properties developed under the bill, which may help lower-income families gain access to homeownership.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of HB 740 include:

  • Homeowners: Individuals who wish to build ADUs on their properties will benefit from streamlined processes and financial support.

  • Low- to Moderate-Income Residents: This group will gain increased access to affordable housing options through the development of ADUs.

  • Counties: Local governments will be involved in the implementation of the bill, particularly in terms of zoning and permitting processes.

  • Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation: The HHFDC will play a crucial role in managing the funds and programs established by the bill.

Procedural Timeline

HB 740 has undergone several legislative actions since its introduction on January 17, 2025. Key dates include:

  • April 25, 2025: A conference committee meeting is scheduled to reconvene at 3:30 PM in Conference Room 016.

  • April 24, 2025: Another conference committee meeting is set for 10:30 AM in Conference Room 224.

  • April 10, 2025: The House disagreed with Senate amendments, indicating ongoing negotiations between the two chambers.

  • March 31, 2025: The bill was reported from the WAM committee with a recommendation for passage on Third Reading.

  • February 25, 2025: The FIN committee recommended the bill be passed unamended.

The bill is currently in the conference committee stage, where members from both the House and Senate are working to reconcile differences in the proposed legislation.

Related Legislation

HB 740 has a companion bill, SB 491, which addresses similar issues regarding housing and may provide additional context or support for the initiatives outlined in HB 740.

This summary provides an overview of HB 740, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline to inform stakeholders and the public about the bill's implications for housing in Hawaii.

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

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