Housing summit to tackle critical building issues
Press Release Housing Summit, November 5, 2018
Contact: Donalyn Dela Cruz
808-216-4747
Honolulu - Solutions to the worsening crisis will be addressed at the upcoming 4th Annual Building Industry Association - Hawaii (BIA) Summit on Thursday, Nov. 15th. The Summit will feature experts from land use and planning fields to lead discussions and share experiences from a range of building industry topics including financial tools for infrastructure, smarter development that considers the environment, and land partnerships for affordable housing.
"Very often, initiatives and plans developed from this summit have become the basis for new legislation," said Gladys Quinto Marrone, BIA Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to hearing solutions that could address our most pressing housing and infrastructure issues as we prepare for the upcoming Legislative session."
In recent weeks, BIA-Hawaii and the Oahu Homebuilders Coalition (OHC) have met with the Honolulu City Council and the Mayor to raise concerns about long-standing industry issues, which are now coming to a head. On Oct. 18th, the BIA and OHC were joined by dozens of industry workers and homeowners at a rally for the advancement of Council Bill 64. The measure would allow for an expedited process for building permits for one-and two-family dwellings. Bill 64 will be heard in a Special Zoning and Housing Committee meeting on Nov. 7th.
"Many professionals in the homebuilding industry feel that this is a time of crisis stemming from delays in permitting that have been a trickle down affect and costing jobs," added Dean Uchida, BIA board president. "We also know that Hawaii is in desperate of infrastructure advancements in order to support transit-oriented develpment. This Summit is extremely timely."
The 4th Annual 2018 Housing Summit theme is Turnaround: Solutions to Hawaii's Worsening Housing Crises. It takes place on Nov. 15, 2018 from 8:00 a,m, to 12:00 p.m. at the Pomaika'i Ballroom in Iwilei.
Featured speakers include:
Dennis Hanberg, Pierce County Planning and Public and Public Works Director. Hanberg is credited for turning around Pierce County's permitting process which was once plagued with delays and inefficiencies. Under Hanberg's leadership, Pierce County Planning and Public Works has become an award-winning agency recognized for being one of the best permitting agencies in the country.
R, Chris Lightburne, Managing Partner, Development, Planning and Financing Group, Inc. He is responsible for the development and implementation of public finance and real estate development neglated strategies. Lightburne will present solutions on possible funding mechanisms in order to meet the need for housing, particularly along public transit pathways.
To register or for more information go to www.biahawaii.org and click on the "Housing Summit" button.
