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Workforce Housing

Recruiting and Retaining Teachers

Project Updates

Bill Signing Group Photo
Recruiting and Retaining Teachers Through Workforce Housing

The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) is the largest department in the State of Hawaii, consisting of 258 schools, 37 charter schools, and over 25,000 employees. Based on the DOE’s Employment Report School Year 2022-2023, over 835 teachers resigned, with 374 reasons for a separation leaving Hawaii.

Legislators have recognized educator salaries (trailing behind the nation), and the adjusted cost of living plays a significant role in Hawaii’s shortage of licensed educators. Thus, legislators have identified two key strategies to address the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers: financial incentives and affordable teacher housing. Pursuant to Act 172, SLH 2023, the Hawaii School Facilities Authority is tasked with the latter to help achieve the State’s goal outlined below: to address the shortage of licensed educators in Hawaii and to attract and retain educators and staff.

Project Updates

Pilot Milestones

Mililani High School Teacher Workforce Housing Project
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) posted December 15, 2023
  • Pre-Proposal Conference Held January 18, 2024

Solicitation No. RFP-SFA-23-01 can be viewed on our Procurement page

Aerial View of Honolulu

Site Selection Criteria approved at September 3, 2024 HISFA Board meeting.

Criteria for Prioritizing Site Selection of Workforce Housing on School Property in Hawaii

1. Location and Accessibility

• Teacher Housing Demand: Evaluate demand for affordable teacher housing in the school district • Enrollment: Priority for low Enrollment to Capacity Ratio (ECR)

• Project Site: Available parcel is on the outskirts of school grounds.

• Proximity to School: Proximity to Elementary, Middle, and High School for adult and children residents to walk or bike to school.

• Access to Public Transport: Well-served by public transportation eliminating the need for vehicle ownership.

• Neighborhood Amenities: Near essential services like grocery stores, healthcare, car share, bike share, and parks.

• Recreational Facilities: Access to parks, sports facilities, and cultural centers for a balanced lifestyle.

2. Zoning and Land Use Regulations

• Current Zoning: Complies with residential use zoning, can be rezoned, or seek HRS 201H exemption.

• Cultural and Historical Impact: Respect for sacred sites, cultural heritage, and traditional land use.

• State Owned Land: Preference for land that is owned by the state.

3. Infrastructure

• Utilities: Availability and capacity of water, electricity, sewage, and internet.

• Stormwater Management: Effective systems to manage stormwater and prevent flooding.

4. Environmental and Natural Hazard Considerations

• Land Condition: Suitable topography and soil quality, free of environmental hazards.

• Impact on Ecosystem: Minimal impact on local wildlife and natural habitats.

• Tsunami Zones: Consideration of tsunami inundation and tsunami-safe zones.

Phase 1 sites under consideration for the next RFP

More Information Coming Soon!