The Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) is an office under the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). The MACRO promotes positive relationships between Hawai'i's military and civilian sectors by fostering mutual respect and understanding through collaboration on issues important to both the State of Hawai'i and the United States Department of Defense. Through engagement, education, and transparent communication with the military, MACRO is committed to promoting and preserving the foundations of Hawaiʻi. Public discussion in Hawaiʻi has increasingly raised questions about whether and to what extent the military influences rental prices, affordability, and housing availability. At the same time, Hawaiʻi faces persistent housing shortages, rising household costs, and market pressures that also affect local residents. This study is intended to evaluate if there is a correlation between the military presence in Hawaiʻi and housing market outcomes, while also identifying other factors affecting rents and housing affordability statewide. This study aims to provide updated, data-driven insights into the relationship between Hawaiʻi’s military presence and the State’s housing market, with a primary focus on rental housing affordability and availability. The findings will support informed policy discussions and deepen understanding of the factors influencing housing conditions statewide. The study will build on prior reports, such as: https://www.wardresearch.com/2024-hawaii-housing-planning-study https://www.scribd.com/document/833678700/Hawaii-Perspectives-Winter-2024-Report Key factors to be examined may include, but are not limited to: • Rental Supply & Availability: Levels of housing production, vacancy rates, and unit availability across counties and zip codes. • Household Income & Wages: Income among civilian and military households, broken down by income brackets (below 80% AMI, 80-100% AMI, 100-125% AMI, and above) to assess differences in rent-to-income ratios and affordability. • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): The role of federal housing allowances in supporting military households participating in the local rental market. • Short-term & Vacation Rentals: The influence of short-term rentals, visitor accommodation markets, and non-resident property ownership on housing availability. • Cost of Living & Inflation: Broader economic pressures that affect both household budgets and housing costs. • Household Structure & Living Arrangements: Differences in household size, multi-generational living, and occupancy patterns between military and civilian households. • Geographic Variation: Distinct housing conditions across counties, islands, and neighborhoods, including areas with limited military presence. Work on the scope shall commence upon the full execution of a contract between the successful Offeror and MACRO.

Solicitation No.

RFP-26-05-MACRO

Type / RFx

RFP

Status

Open

Level

state

Published Date

June 8, 2026

Due Date

July 6, 2026

NAICS Code

541720AI guide

Jurisdiction

State of Hawaii

State

Hawaii

Agency

Business, Economic Development, & Tourism

The Military and Community Relations Office (MACRO) is an office under the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). The MACRO promotes positive relationships between Hawai'i's military and civilian sectors by fostering mutual respect and understanding through collaboration on issues important to both the State of Hawai'i and the United States Department of Defense. Through engagement, education, and transparent communication with the military, MACRO is committed to promoting and preserving the foundations of Hawaiʻi. Public discussion in Hawaiʻi has increasingly raised questions about whether and to what extent the military influences rental prices, affordability, and housing availability. At the same time, Hawaiʻi faces persistent housing shortages, rising household costs, and market pressures that also affect local residents. This study is intended to evaluate if there is a correlation between the military presence in Hawaiʻi and housing market outcomes, while also identifying other factors affecting rents and housing affordability statewide. This study aims to provide updated, data-driven insights into the relationship between Hawaiʻi’s military presence and the State’s housing market, with a primary focus on rental housing affordability and availability. The findings will support informed policy discussions and deepen understanding of the factors influencing housing conditions statewide. The study will build on prior reports, such as: https://www.wardresearch.com/2024-hawaii-housing-planning-study https://www.scribd.com/document/833678700/Hawaii-Perspectives-Winter-2024-Report Key factors to be examined may include, but are not limited to: • Rental Supply & Availability: Levels of housing production, vacancy rates, and unit availability across counties and zip codes. • Household Income & Wages: Income among civilian and military households, broken down by income brackets (below 80% AMI, 80-100% AMI, 100-125% AMI, and above) to assess differences in rent-to-income ratios and affordability. • Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): The role of federal housing allowances in supporting military households participating in the local rental market. • Short-term & Vacation Rentals: The influence of short-term rentals, visitor accommodation markets, and non-resident property ownership on housing availability. • Cost of Living & Inflation: Broader economic pressures that affect both household budgets and housing costs. • Household Structure & Living Arrangements: Differences in household size, multi-generational living, and occupancy patterns between military and civilian households. • Geographic Variation: Distinct housing conditions across counties, islands, and neighborhoods, including areas with limited military presence. Work on the scope shall commence upon the full execution of a contract between the successful Offeror and MACRO.

1. June 8, 2026Published
2. July 6, 2026Responses Due