Hold developers to their promises

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jul 18, 2012

~~<p>Government has long authorized private development of residential areas on the condition that the builders, in partnership with government, include a significant number of homes for lower- and middle-income families. The recession, though, has allowed developers to backslide on the number of such needed affordable units, especially on the lower-cost spectrum.</p>
<p>Of all conditions imposed on developers during project approval, the pledge of affordable housing and rentals should be the most non-negotiable. With the rebound of Hawaii's economy, government must ensure that such promises by profit-driven developers be kept and met.</p>
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Government has long authorized private development of residential areas on the condition that the builders, in partnership with government, include a significant number of homes for lower- and middle-income families. The recession, though, has allowed developers to backslide on the number of such needed affordable units, especially on the lower-cost spectrum.

Of all conditions imposed on developers during project approval, the pledge of affordable housing and rentals should be the most non-negotiable. With the rebound of Hawaii's economy, government must ensure that such promises by profit-driven developers be kept and met. Login for more...