While still preserving county authority to control the sizes and forms of new buildings—and take into account infrastructure needs—these bills would enable a diverse housing landscape with more affordable options, such as duplexes, triplexes or small starter homes that require less space and mean cheaper housing. Such housing options would provide local residents with the opportunity to remain in Hawaii without needing to afford an entire half-acre of land.

This diversity of options would provide opportunities for people in all different stages of life, such as young families just starting out, kupuna looking to downsize, and multigenerational households seeking to keep family members close. Three generations could live together on one property with dignity, while also giving each the opportunity to build equity.

All of this would be possible because these measures would encourage more efficient land use.