By Kalama Kim, 2016 HBR President
HBR's April 1 Agent Forum, which included developers DR Horton-Schuler Homes, Gentry Homes, Howard Hughes Corporation, Kobayashi Group and Stanford Carr, sparked a lot of conversation among REALTORS®, with many wondering: What comes next?
As one attendee noted, this is a "terrifying topic" that needs to be addressed sooner, rather than later. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for this impressive gathering of developers. As one member put it, "It shows how important we all are to each others' professions."
In their individual presentations, the developers were able to share some of the many challenges they face. They were also able to underscore the importance of support from the REALTOR® community. We are part of the solution, and, as one attendee advised, "HBR and REALTORS®...should attend hearings and be spokespeople for developments." I couldn't agree more! With more than 6,000 HBR members across Oahu, we ARE the voice for real estate in Hawaii, and it's time we start using our collective influence to advocate for more housing--at all price points--and for the rights of homeowners and future homeowners.
Other topics attendees indicated are important for REALTORS® to weigh in on include: Residential A, inclusionary zoning, reserve housing occupancy lengths, affordable housing and homelessness. If you would like to learn more about HBR's take on these issues, I encourage you to check out Nelson Higa's Advocacy Blog, or talk to a member of HBR's City Affairs Committee.
On a final note, a few of you asked why a few other major developers weren't included in the forum; to answer that question, they were invited, but were unable to attend.
Clearly, we need to continue this important discussion; so, stay tuned!
