May 2026 Newsletter Message

Housing affects every one of us here on Oʻahu. It is the single greatest factor driving families to make the difficult decision to leave Honolulu, and if we are truly committed to keeping our community together, we can’t afford to delay action any longer.

Federal data tells us that local families spend, on average, about $32,000 a year on housing – more than a third of their gross income. But for many in our community, the reality is even more challenging, with housing costs consuming over half of a household's take-home pay. That leaves very little for essentials like food, healthcare, education, and the ability to save for the future.

If we are serious about addressing Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, we must recognize that housing is not just a small piece in the cost-of-living puzzle – it’s the biggest piece. When supply is limited, prices rise. When prices rise, families are pushed out. Increasing our housing supply means creating more options, and more options help ease the financial pressure that so many are feeling. That is why building more homes must be part of the solution.

At the same time, we must remain thoughtful and responsible in how we grow. Housing cannot be separated from infrastructure and smart planning. Our roads, water systems, sewers, schools, and public safety services must be able to support that growth. With Oʻahu water systems delivering roughly 145 million gallons daily and over 3,600 miles of roadway to maintain, we must align development with strategic, well-planned infrastructure investments. That means building where it makes sense, using our land wisely, and ensuring that growth strengthens our communities.

As Chair, the Council has approved over 10,800 new homes, nearly 80% are affordable units. That is real and tangible progress – but it also underscores how much ground we still need to cover. Approval is only the first step. The real work is ensuring that these homes are built efficiently, in the right places, and in a way that truly meets the needs of our residents.

Moving forward, my focus is clear: we must continue to expand housing opportunities while supporting smart, balanced development that allows local families to live closer to where they work, learn, and access essential services – without losing the character that makes our neighborhoods special.

Together, we can move with purpose and build an Oʻahu where our residents not only want to stay – but are able to.

With aloha,

Tommy