Updates from the chapter
🏡 HAWAIʻI STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: QUESTION 2 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 2! This amendment would allow counties to issue Resilient Infrastructure for Shelter and Equity (RISE) bonds to finance essential public infrastructure in designated districts, with repayment coming from future growth in property tax revenue rather than increases in property tax rates. Why does this…
🏡 HONOLULU CHARTER AMENDMENT: QUESTION 7 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 7! This amendment recognizes Honolulu’s housing shortage and makes increasing housing availability and preserving existing homes for local residents a clear City priority. Why does this matter? Hawaiʻi needs more homes and policies that help local residents stay in their communities. Recognizing the housing sho…
🏡 HONOLULU CHARTER AMENDMENT: QUESTION 8 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 8! This amendment clarifies that Honolulu’s Affordable Housing Fund is a revolving fund, allowing loan repayments, interest, and other earnings to be reinvested into future affordable housing projects. Why does this matter? Every dollar invested in affordable homes should have the opportunity to keep working fo…
🏡 HONOLULU CHARTER AMENDMENT: QUESTION 9 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 9! This amendment eliminates the requirement for a separate public hearing on City real property transactions, helping reduce administrative costs and save taxpayer money while preserving opportunities for public input at City Council meetings. Why does this matter? Many transactions are routine, while larger a…
🏡 HONOLULU CHARTER AMENDMENT: QUESTION 10 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 10! This amendment requires Honolulu to create a 10-year Housing Functional Plan, updated at least every five years, to guide housing policies, infrastructure investments, and budget decisions. Why does this matter? Honolulu needs a coordinated, long-term strategy to address its housing affordability crisis, n…
🏡 HONOLULU CHARTER AMENDMENT: QUESTION 12 Hawaiʻi YIMBY endorses a YES vote on Question 12! This amendment would allow Honolulu’s Affordable Housing Fund to receive money from federal, state, philanthropic, and other sources beyond its dedicated property tax revenue. Why does this matter? Addressing Hawaiʻi’s housing affordability crisis requires more resources to build affordable homes. Expandin…
🏠 SEPTEMBER IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH! 🌺 Want to help build a Hawaiʻi where everyone can find a home they can afford, live near the places they need, and stay connected to their community? Join Hawaiʻi YIMBY this September! Become a volunteer or donating member during the month of September and get a FREE “Legalize Housing” t-shirt. 👕🔥 As a member, you’ll connect with local YIMBYs across Hawaiʻi who…
Act 160 (SB 1263) - PASSED! 🎉
Reducing SHPD Permitting Backlog in TOD
Act 159 (HB 1409) - PASSED! 🎉
HB 1409 - "More Homes Near Transit" - was passed and signed into law on June 3, 2025
HB 422 (HD1 SD2 CD1)
Remove School Impact Fees & Lower Home Costs
HB 420 (HD3 SD2 CD1)
Status as of 5/2/25:This bill has successfully passed final floor votes. It now will go to the Governor to sign into law.
Events
Who we're endorsing
About Hawai'i YIMBY
Hawaiʻi has the highest cost of living in the nation because we've said “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) to building enough homes.
The result? Thousands of local residents are pushed to the mainland or into homelessness, while Hawaiʻi moves closer to becoming an exclusive playground for wealthy property owners.
We refuse to let that happen.
We believe we can build more homes while protecting what makes Hawaiʻi special. That means preserving our environment, supporting sustainable communities, strengthening tenant protections, and building a future where locals can afford to stay.
We say YES In My Backyard.
YES to affordable, sustainable, and inclusive homes for all.
How we work
Reform the rules
Back zoning reform and streamlined permitting so more homes are legal to build, especially near transit and jobs.
Educate & engage
Turn out residents to the meetings that matter and make it easy to take a pro-housing position on local projects.
Build partnerships
Work with neighbors, labor, faith groups, and builders toward a shared abundant-housing agenda.
Hawai'i YIMBY is a chapter of YIMBY Action.
One of the local groups organizing for more homes across the country, backed by the national team.