Hawaiʻi County is now taking proposals for its affordable housing production program

The County of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Housing and Community Development has issued a request for proposals for the Affordable Housing Production program funding to eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and community land trusts.

The funding is made possible through Ordinance 22-77, which allocates a minimum of $5 million per year to the Office of Housing and Community Development to facilitate programs that support, increase, and sustain the availability and accessibility of affordable housing on Hawaiʻi Island.

“We know that finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges families face,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Through this program, we are supporting real solutions to make our island more affordable for local residents and creating a stronger, more resilient future for everyone.”

The county has set its funding priorities for the fiscal year 2025-26 funding round as follows:

1. Targeting the Gap Group (81% – 140% AMI):

The top priority is to increase units that serve households earning between 81% and 140% of the area median income. Often referred to as the “Gap Group,” these moderate-income families typically do not qualify for most state and federal housing assistance programs yet still struggle to afford market-rate housing.

By extending funding availability beyond the traditional 80% area median income threshold, the program aims to address this unmet need and increase access to attainable housing for this underserved population.

2. Homeownership Initiatives with Extended Affordability:

The second priority is to support sustainable homeownership opportunities. This includes initiatives for first-time homebuyers that ensure lasting affordability through resale restrictions, shared equity models, or similar mechanisms to promote community stability and support long-term wealth-building for local residents.

3. Preservation of Existing Units:

The third priority is to sustain the county’s existing affordable housing stock. This includes rehabilitating both rental and owner-occupied units to meet safe, sanitary, and sustainable living standards. Preserving these homes helps maintain affordability, prevent displacement, and strengthen neighborhood stability.

According to the Office of Housing and Community Development, the county is committed to making the greatest and fastest impact by preserving and rehabilitating the existing affordable housing inventory that already exists.

“We’re especially interested in proposals that promote lasting homeownership opportunities and create pathways for local families to build generational wealth,” said County Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa. “Building new housing alone won’t solve our affordability challenges. We need innovative approaches that protect and expand access to housing that local families can truly afford.”

Proposals must be submitted electronically only through an online application platform that will be available on the Office of Housing and Community Development website starting May 5. Proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on July 7.

Organizations considering proposal submissions are encouraged to take part in one of two information sessions via Zoom. These meetings will provide further insight into the program and submission process.

• Informational Meeting #1
  • 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20
  • To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/nap3up68.
• Informational Meeting #2
  • 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 22
  • To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yptk5fyc.

If you require special accommodation to participate, please contact Office of Housing and Community Development at (808) 961-8379 at least seven calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

For more information on the Affordable Housing Production program, to register for an information session, and to obtain a copy of the proposal guide, email ohcd.ahp@hawaiicounty.gov.