Hawaiʻi County to award over $13 million to boost affordable housing

The County of Hawaiʻi is awarding over $13.2 million in Affordable Housing Production Program funds to four projects across Hawaiʻi Island that will support, increase, and sustain the availability and accessibility of affordable housing. 

In a press release Saturday, the county said the fiscal Year 2024-25 funding round supports the acquisition of property for and construction of new housing units for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income, infrastructure for a new subdivision that will serve workforce households earning up to 140% of Area Media Income and the popular Residential Repair Program, which provides low-cost loans to help low-income households conduct much-needed repairs to their primary residence. In total, the funding will impact 181 housing units.

“We are thrilled to announce this significant investment in affordable housing across Hawaiʻi Island. This funding will not only help to construct new homes for those in need but also strengthen our communities by providing vital infrastructure and sustaining housing for low-income households, said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz in a statement.

“Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward ensuring everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.”

The four projects selected to receive funding were among 13 proposals that requested more than $48 million in funding. Award decisions were based on criteria such as project impact and delivery, need, applicant qualifications, readiness, and funding leverage.

The awarded organizations and their proposals are:

The funding was made possible through Ordinance 22-77, passed by the Hawaiʻi County Council in June 2022, and signed into law by Mayor Mitch Roth. The law appropriates a minimum of $5 million per year to the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to facilitate programs that support affordable housing production on Hawaiʻi Island.

The resolution was forwarded with a favorable recommendation by the Finance Committee on Nov. 7, 2024. The resolution will next be heard by the full County Council for approval. The OHCD will then draft and execute contract agreements with the awardees for the release of funds.

The AHP Program’s initial funding round (Fiscal Year 2023-24) combined two years of funding and provided $17.3 million to support, increase and sustain the supply of affordable housing on Hawaiʻi Island. The 2024-25 funding round includes $5.5 million reappropriated from the first funding round due to one of the selected projects being unable to proceed. 

Click here to view the Annual Report that provides updates on the projects awarded funding in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 funding round.

“With over $25 million awarded via the County’s Affordable Housing Production Program, we are taking vital steps to keep local families here on Hawaiʻi Island. This funding is an investment in our community’s future, ensuring that our residents have access to safe and affordable housing. By providing these opportunities, we are not only preserving our unique way of life but also fostering a vibrant, sustainable community where families can thrive and grow,” said Mayor Mitch Roth.

For more information on the Affordable Housing Production Program, visit http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ahp or email ohcd.ahp@hawaiicounty.gov.