Honolulu mandates that every new building must include many new parking stalls in a parking lot or garage. Studies have found that much of this parking then goes unfilled, despite each stall costing tens of thousands of dollars to build.
These outdated parking requirements are increasing housing costs in a big way for low-income renters who can’t afford cars — as well as young adults, seniors, and other individuals who cannot drive or are choosing not to own a car at all.
Right now, renters in Honolulu can be required to pay $5,000 more per year in rent because of parking requirements — even if they don’t own cars. That’s a huge, unnecessary cost for already economically vulnerable households.
But Honolulu has a huge opportunity to address this problem by passing a strong Bill 2, which will help reduce the cost of living by enabling residents to pay only for the parking they need.
Bill 2 is also a key step to tackle the climate crisis by reducing driving and encouraging cleaner transportation options such as walking, biking, and public transit.
A STRONG Bill 2 will help pass on affordability and flexibility to residents through unbundling (separating the cost of parking from the cost of a home) and using setbacks to keep streets safe and walkable.
Tell your City Councilmember to please vote YES on a STRONG Bill 2!
Photo: Zetong Li
Tell your City Councilmember to support more affordable housing options, tackle climate change, and make Honolulu a more livable, equitable, and sustainable city for all! Tell your City Councilmember to support Bill 2 today!
