Addressing Kauai’s Housing Crisis

with Leah Ragsac, Kauai Realty

As a Realtor, I see many families that are faced with our housing crisis here on Kauai. Whether it’s a family desperately looking for a rental or a first time home buyer trying to purchase their first home, our island is in a dilemma. The County of Kauai, private developers and many nonprofits have made great efforts to help resolve this ongoing problem but we are still far from what we need, and it could not come fast enough.

According to the Kauai General Plan (finalized in 2018), “Our current housing deficit is 1,400 units and demand is projected to increase by 9,000 units by 2035.” Rentals can be difficult to find and the number of homes for sale are at an all-time low. What does this do to the rental and real estate market? Higher rent and higher housing prices. This makes it difficult for an average family to survive, much less thrive. Here are a few things to consider to be part of the solution:

Consider building an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU). If you are a property owner and have enough space on your property and meet the County’s requirements you may qualify to build a separate home on your property.

Consider converting extra space in your current home into an Additional Rental Unit (ARU). Along with earning extra income you will be providing well needed housing. Check with the County for their requirements and incentives.

Support the efforts of those agencies working tirelessly to provide housing, solutions and hope to the people of Kauai. Here are a couple:

PAL (Permanent Affordable Living Kauai) pal-kauai.org

Habitat for Humanity kauaihabitat.org

Let’s not stand on the sidelines, let’s become part of the solution!