Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Keli’i Akina
“One of the most effective ways for lawmakers to reduce poverty in Hawaii wouldn’t cost taxpayers a dime: housing reform. … It might be tempting to think that rent control would quickly reduce housing costs. But before lawmakers consider that, they should know such price fixing has been shown to reduce available rental housing and increase rent prices in nearby areas where rent is not controlled. So what could Hawaii do to reduce poverty through housing reform? Simply follow the example of cities that have already seen success: Allow higher-density homebuilding, streamline permitting, simplify building codes, eliminate parking mandates and revise restrictive land-use rules.” (10/21/26)
https://fee.org/articles/housing-reform-can-reduce-hawaiis-poverty/