The Kama‘āina Homes Program imagines a future where local families can stay in Hawai‘i—home by home, neighborhood by neighborhood, by ensuring there is housing available just for local residents.
The Kama‘āina Homes Program is a bill currently working through the State Legislature inspired by a successful program in Vail, Colorado, which has effectively helped workers attain housing in the area and stopped people from moving away. If this program becomes law, the government provides payment to people who are buying or already own homes, in exchange for an agreement to ensure that these homes permanently stay available for local families who work in the area. Joining this program is completely optional, open to everyone, and homeowners or homebuyers can use the money they receive however they choose.