Governor signs bill offering mortgage aid

Recalling that it took him and his wife 23 years to save enough money for the down payment on their first home, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday signed a bill that would make it possible for more low- to middle-income families qualify for mortgage loans.

Abercrombie called it one of the more "personal" pieces of legislation passed by lawmakers in 2013.

"This is really something that can change people’s lives," Abercrombie said at a bill-signing ceremony in his office. "This is really a hope bill."

The bill signing comes ahead of a weekend in which Abercrombie is expected to finalize his list of potential vetoes. He has until Monday to notify the Legislature of which bills may be vetoed, and until July 9 to make final decisions.

Any bills not on the veto list would be signed or become law without his signature.

Senate Bill 1025, signed Friday, was among the proposals in Abercrombie’s legislative package.

The measure updates the Hula Mae Single Family Mortgage Loan Program by broadening requirements to allow participation by more potential single-family home buyers. The program, which offers mortgage loans below market rates, also provides down payment and closing-cost assistance for qualified buyers.

"It absolutely makes loans more available to more people in the state," said Karen Seddon, executive director of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp., which oversees the program. "We’re able to give them a hand up by making mortgage loans available to folks that wouldn’t otherwise be able to get one."

Through fostering homeownership, Abercrombie said the bill strengthens families, stabilizes neighborhoods and builds community well-being.

"I think it fosters economic prosperity, as well," he said. "It’s a commitment to a sense of confidence that you can’t feel otherwise unless you’re able to make this change."

The bill sailed through the Legislature with unanimous support from both chambers on final reading.

Since its inception by an act of the Legislature in 1979, the program has helped more than 10,000 buyers purchase their first homes, the administration said.

The program takes effect on July 1, the start of the new fiscal year.