On February 10, 2025, the Hawaii Senate introduced Senate Bill 378 (SB378), aimed at addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing in Maui County. The bill proposes the establishment of a working group tasked with identifying existing mixed-use developments that could be repurposed for affordable housing and commercial rental leases.

The working group, to be formed under the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, will consist of various stakeholders, including a member of the board of directors of the corporation, representatives from the Realtors Association of Maui, local residents with expertise in financing and construction, and members from Maui housing nonprofit organizations. This diverse composition is intended to ensure a comprehensive approach to identifying viable properties for redevelopment.

Key provisions of SB378 include the requirement for the working group to submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature by twenty days before the regular session of 2026. The group will operate without compensation, although members will be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred during their duties. The working group is set to dissolve upon the adjournment of the regular session in 2026.

The introduction of SB378 comes amid ongoing discussions about the housing crisis in Hawaii, particularly in Maui, where the demand for affordable housing has outpaced supply. Proponents of the bill argue that leveraging existing mixed-use developments could provide a timely solution to this issue, potentially easing the burden on residents struggling with high rental costs.

However, the bill may face scrutiny regarding the feasibility of repurposing existing developments and the effectiveness of the proposed working group. Critics may question whether the initiative will lead to tangible results or merely serve as a temporary measure without addressing the underlying causes of the housing crisis.

As the legislative process unfolds, the implications of SB378 could be significant for Maui's housing landscape, potentially influencing future policies aimed at enhancing affordable housing availability. The bill's progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the state, as its outcomes may set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions facing housing challenges.