“In light of the severe housing shortage in both the state and Maui County, we strongly support initiatives that promote, rather than hinder, the development of housing for our residents,” Tumpap said.

Other submittals of testimony in favor of the bill came from the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, Housing Hawaiʻi’s Future and one individual.

Senate Bill 27 was introduced by Chang and Hashimoto, as well as Republican Kurt Fevella of ʻEwa Beach, Sharon Moriwaki of urban Honolulu and Glenn Wakai of Central Oʻahu.