Hawaii governor focuses on Maui recovery efforts, housing in State of the State address

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Monday used his annual State of the State address to steer lawmakers and company in a second of silence for victims of the Lahaina wildfire and to suggest aggressive steps to shift extra trip leases into residential use to fulfill each Maui and the state’s acute housing wants.

Those gathered for the speech delivered a standing ovation to 2 Maui firefighters — Keahi Ho and Koa Bonnell — who traveled from Maui for the governor’s speak, which centered closely on serving to Maui recuperate from August’s lethal wildfires.

“The people of Maui have shown strength in the face of adversity,” mentioned Green, a Democrat. “But the days ahead will not be easy and they will continue to need our support and we will be there for them as long as it takes.”

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A wildfire fueled by hurricane-force winds raced via the historic coastal city of Lahaina on Aug. 8, killing 100 folks and destroying hundreds of properties and buildings.

Green’s acknowledgment of all those that rushed to Maui’s support after the hearth introduced tears to the eyes of state Rep. Dee Morikawa, the House majority ground chief and a Democrat representing the western half of Kauai and Niihau.

“It’s just good to know that all of Hawaii is coming together for Maui,” Morikawa mentioned after the address.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is seen right here talking to reporters at the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu on Jan. 22, 2024, after delivering his State of the State address. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

The most pressing unmet want on Maui is now steady long-term housing for some 5,000 residents who’re staying in lodge rooms as a result of they have not been capable of finding inexpensive locations to hire on the island, one of the nation’s most costly locations to dwell.

Green goals for all 5,000 to maneuver into long-term housing by March 1 in half by encouraging homeowners of trip leases to make their items out there to wildfire evacuees. He informed reporters authorities have about two-thirds of the wanted housing items lined up thus far. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and charitable organizations will likely be overlaying the rental prices.

More broadly and longer-term, Green proposed a two-year “tax amnesty” to encourage homeowners of trip leases round the state to promote to owner-occupants or long-term rental landlords. Participants could be exempt from capital good points, conveyance and basic excise taxes underneath this two-year program.

Green informed reporters afterward he was going to place “a lot of pressure” on short-term leases as a result of he did not consider they had been acceptable.

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“I don’t want to be rude, but I do want people to realize that that market should be for our local families,” Green mentioned. He famous that employees in a spread of fields — together with nurses now on strike at the state’s solely pediatric hospital — are struggling as a result of of Hawaii’s housing scarcity and excessive housing prices.

In addition, Green mentioned he is asking the Legislature to place $373 million in the funds for infrastructure and housing.

“This remains our administration’s top statewide priority,” he mentioned.

Green revisited the concept of imposing a price on vacationers to assist pay for environmental repairs after a proposal to take action died in committee final 12 months. The governor instructed charging every household visiting Hawaii a $25 “climate impact fee” after they examine in to their lodge or short-term rental. He mentioned this might increase $68 million a 12 months.

Democratic House leaders recognized frequent priorities with the governor, notably on inexpensive housing, psychological well being care and local weather change.

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The House Finance Committee’s chairperson, Rep. Kyle Yamashita, mentioned he must have a look at the particulars of the governor’s tax amnesty plan however indicated he was open to the concept.

“At the end of the day, I think we have to look at every option to deal with this issue,” Yamashita mentioned after the speech. “They are affecting residential areas throughout the state. And it’s something that we have to look into more deeply.”

House Speaker Scott Saiki mentioned the House would cooperate with the governor.

“We need to solve problems in our state, and we need to find solutions that are going to be workable,” Saiki mentioned.