AFFORDABLE HOUSING
More than 50 years after the post-statehood construction boom that transformed Hawaii, the island of Oahu finds itself in a housing crisis and needs to build more than 24,000 housing units to meet current demand. Over three quarters of the demand is for households earning less than 80 percent of the area median income.
Various housing strategies have been developed over the years which identify TOD as a central component. (The Oahu General Plan and regional development plans also promote TOD as part of their housing policies.)
The City’s current Strategic Housing Plan (2025-2028) builds on the Housing Plan (2023) that was drafted to form the basis for a more comprehensive plan. Key strategies to increase the housing inventory are identified through investing in affordable housing, improving processes, addressing regulatory barriers, investing in TOD and infrastructure (enabling iconic, mixed-use TOD projects), and improving real estate and asset management.
The previously drafted Housing Oahu: Affordable Housing Strategy (2015) looked at addressing housing needs with new and revised policies, incentives, regulations, and investments in partnership with developers, builders, and other stakeholders. Key priorities included rental housing funding, the use of City lands for affordable housing, the accessory dwelling unit program, TOD infrastructure investments to support affordable housing, and new TOD zoning around the rail transit stations. Most items have already been carried out to some degree.
Key affordable housing components that may apply to TOD projects are provided in the boxes below. The main DPP Affordable Housing page contains program information about regulatory compliance and financial tools. Additional housing resources are available on the Department of Housing and Land Management website.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY
Housing Oahu: Affordable Housing Strategy. This overarching document addresses Oahu’s affordable housing needs through new and revised policies, incentives, regulations, and investments, in partnership with developers, builders, and other stakeholders.
Implementing the Affordable Housing Strategy. This document summarizes specific actions to support affordable housing, such as leveraging City lands and funding.
Affordable Housing Strategy Implementation Status. This document tracks the progress of affordable housing initiatives.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT
Affordable Housing Requirement (AHR). The AHR is located in Chapter 29 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu. Certain projects intended for residential use are required to contribute to the affordable housing supply by either constructing new dwelling units, substantially rehabilitating existing dwelling units, or providing improved land for affordable housing.
Implementing an Affordable Housing Requirement. This handout summarizes the AHR, including its applicability and the required percentage of affordable units.
Affordable Housing and Incentives Frequently Asked Questions. This handout provides answers to FAQs related to the AHR and affordable housing incentives.
Rules to Implement the City’s Affordable Housing Requirement. These administrative rules pertain to projects subject to the AHR or an approval issued by the City that requires affordable housing which is not subject to the Affordable Housing Rules for Unilateral Agreements administrative rules.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES
Incentive Ordinances Ordinance 18-1 specifies financial and park dedication exemptions/waivers for projects subject to the AHR, or affordable rental housing projects in accordance with Section 201H-36(a)(5) of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Ordinances 19-8 and 23-12 specify financial and park dedication exemptions/waivers for projects under Chapter 32 Affordable Rental Housing of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.
Ordinances 20-11 and 20-13 amend, in part, the above ordinances.
Ordinances 21-12 and 24-23 specify monetary grants for projects under Chapter 32 Affordable Rental Housing of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.
Implementing an Affordable Housing Requirement. This handout summarizes the AHR, including the financial incentives to help offset associated costs of providing affordable housing.
Affordable Housing and Incentives Frequently Asked Questions. This handout provides answers to FAQs related to the AHR and affordable housing incentives.
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