Honolulu’s housing crisis is among the most pressing challenges facing our city. We aren’t making any more land, yet the cost of living — and the cost of building — continue to climb. Bill 7, enacted in 2019, was an important step, making it easier for property owners to redevelop underutilized lots into affordable rental housing. But if we want transformative change, we must be bolder and more creative.
One practical yet powerful improvement would be to expand Bill 7’s scope beyond just Apartment Mixed-Use and Business Mixed-Use zones. All Bill 7 projects — even those in Apartment (A) zones — should be allowed to include a ground-floor retail or community space. This modest shift could redefine how our neighborhoods look, feel, and function.
A Walkable City Is A Livable City
In Japan and across Europe, it’s common for residential buildings to host bakeries, cafes, clinics, or small shops at street level. These aren’t just conveniences — they create charm, foster safety, and bring vitality to neighborhoods. Streets with active, inviting ground floors encourage interaction and community.
Honolulu, by contrast, is still shaped by a car-centric mindset. Parking stalls have often been prioritized over public spaces, diminishing both walkability and neighborhood vibrancy. Expanding Bill 7 to include retail or community spaces in more zones would help reverse that trend, making our streets safer, livelier, and more engaging for pedestrians.
Beyond Cars: Smarter Transportation
Housing policy and transportation policy are inseparable. If we want to reduce congestion and parking demand, Honolulu should embrace forward-thinking mobility options such as Tesla’s ride-hailing services or Waymo’s commercial robo-taxis. With artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles advancing rapidly, this future is already on the horizon.
Imagine stepping out of your apartment, grabbing a coffee downstairs, and getting across town without owning a car — or paying for a costly parking stall. Over time, shared autonomous vehicles will be cheaper and more efficient than maintaining a personal vehicle.
The benefits are compelling:
- Less pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
- Lower transportation costs for residents.
- Safer streets with fewer private vehicles.
- More land available for housing and public space instead of asphalt.
Incentives For Landowners
Design innovation alone won’t solve the housing shortage. Redevelopment must be financially appealing to landowners, which means expanding city and state incentives — tax abatements, expedited permitting, infrastructure cost-sharing, and pre-construction grants available not only for fully permitted projects but also for projects ready to break ground under the Special Assignment Inspections process…