Regulatory costs now account for 26.4% of the price of a new single-family home nationally, according to a 2026 NAHB study. In Hawaii, research from UHERO suggests regulatory expenses can represent an even larger share of housing costs, particularly for condominium projects. Permitting delays, zoning requirements, infrastructure mandates, and compliance costs can add substantial expenses before construction begins. While regulations are only one factor behind Hawaii's housing affordability crisis, researchers say barriers to housing production continue to limit supply and push costs higher