Affordable housing is an ever-present issue in Hawaii because of the continuous need for living spaces for local families.

Although government is not in the business of providing housing, it must bear the responsibility for ensuring adequate housing for residents.  Projects need to be available to Hawaii residents at feasible prices.

Recently, instead of attempting to provide for middle class or working families, government is allowing many luxury condominiums to be planned for the Kakaako-Ala Moana area. For instance, a 200-unit condo is being built atop the parking deck at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Land in the small area has become prime real estate with prices of homes ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an average Hawaii household of three earns an income of $67,492 a year. The half- million to one million dollar asking price for one unit of the Ala Moana condo is, therefore, out of reach for most residents.

Buying homes in Hawaii is unrealistic for many residents, according to deptofnumbers.com. Over 43 percent of households in Hawaii rent. They will never be able to buy. They  need good rentals at reasonable prices.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) plans and zones construction. It is approving multiple projects for luxury condos at a rapid pace. Consent to building such high-end residences is being given too freely and rapidly, often not keeping in mind affordability. The HDCA approves plans for companies that seem only to be considering investors as potential buyers and  not local residents.

The luxury homes being built  do not cater to the middle and working classes, the current economic situations of most local residents.

The HDCA and the government must help residents find affordable homes. It is the government’s responsibility to provide for its residents. Everyone should have access to a decent home and in Hawaii, that often means a rental or a moderately priced condo.