WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 826

RELATING TO THE LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Troy Hashimoto

Hawaii modifies its Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program to incentivize affordable housing development, though Senate-House disagreements delayed passage into 2026.

Senate Conferee(s) discharged.
#eligibility #lihtc #schoolfacilitiesauthority
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 826

Legislative bill overview

SB 826 relates to modifications of Hawaii's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which provides tax incentives to developers who build or rehabilitate affordable housing. The bill was carried over to the 2026 regular session after encountering disagreement between the Senate and House chambers on proposed amendments during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces a severe affordable housing shortage, with some of the nation's highest housing costs relative to median income. The LIHTC is a primary funding mechanism for affordable housing development, making any modifications to the program's structure, allocations, or eligibility requirements potentially significant for housing availability and affordability across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of modifications unclear: The bill's specific proposed changes to LIHTC are not detailed in the action summary, but Senate-House disagreement suggests substantive policy differences exist between the chambers
  • Developer incentives vs. affordability requirements: Potential tension between making credits attractive to developers versus ensuring units remain affordable long-term and serve the lowest-income populations
  • Funding allocation and distribution: Questions about whether credits are distributed equitably across islands/regions or weighted toward urban centers, and whether modifications address geographic disparities

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

Sign in to ask a question.