Lost-Explorer

How do you propose we solve Hawaiʻi's housing crisis for local families?

This year median home values in Oʻahu, Maui, and Kauaʻi counties have exceeded $1M. Increasing YoY 44% on Maui, 25% on Oʻahu. Statewide median household income is ~$83,000

I think a tax of 3-5% on second homes / vacation homes would increase the financial burden of maintaining a second home in the state and would hopefully lead to more availabilities on the market and suppress housing costs. This would also be a moderate revenue source for the state. Particularly on the $10M+ properties. Do you think this is feasible?

What other options do you think have merit?

no curveballs here, just a local guy trying to get another perspective on one of the largest and most complex issues our community faces.

/u/yishan, I am impressed by the depth of your answers and the knowledge youʻve gained about Hawaiʻi in the time that youʻve been here. Thank you for your well thought out and serious response. This is not an issue that has a simple answer and personally I don't think the answer is continued urbanization, particularly due to the water constraints you deftly noted. That is why I am hoping there is a solution that leverages the homes we have now and keeps/makes them affordable for local families.

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On a related note, Iʻve read up on your website and efforts with Terraformation and I donʻt see any mention of outreach / community involvement. As someone who grew up on the outer islands, they are very limited in the opportunities available to public school K-12 students, particularly for those interested in seeking higher education. I think you have a real opportunity to not only let big island students learn about what you are doing with Terraformation, but inspire them to enact positive change in our island communities and believe in themselves and their abilities, if you invite them over and let them participate in what you do. Getting to see a solar desalination setup in person (and the other efforts) would be far beyond what most Hawaiʻi public school students get to experience. We have maybe a few field trips throughout our K-12 experience. I honestly believe the simple act of sharing what you do with these students and getting them excited about the science would encourage them to pursue STEM degrees and return home with their ʻike (knowledge).

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Thank you again for your response.