Hawaiʻi County requests public input for housing grant planning process

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is hosting public hearings for the planning process for its 2027 Action Plan.

The Action Plan outlines how federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be allocated for Program Year 2027. Comments will help identify priorities and guide federal funding investments to address local housing and community needs. The hearings are set for Aug. 19 and Aug. 26.

“These public hearings are an important part of the planning process, helping ensure that our programs have the greatest positive impact,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “We encourage residents and local partners to share their experiences and ideas as we plan future investments that support housing stability and stronger communities across Hawaiʻi Island.”

The first public hearing will be virtual and will start at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Participants can register for the meeting on Zoom. The dial-in number is 669-254-5252, and the meeting ID is 165-544-0437.

The second public hearing will be in person, starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 1990 Kīnoʻole St., Conference Room 104, in Hilo.

Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 26 and may be submitted by email at ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov or by mail to Kehaulani M. Costa, Office of Housing and Community Development, 1990 Kīnoʻole St., Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720.

In addition to public input, the Office of Housing and Community Development will begin accepting project proposals for inclusion in the 2027 Annual Action Plan. Funding is anticipated through four federal programs:

• Community Development Block Grant: Approximately $2.6 million to support community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
• Emergency Solutions Grant: Approximately $250,000 to support emergency shelters, homelessness prevention, and related supportive services.
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Approximately $3 million to expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low- and very low-income households through partnerships among federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private entities.
• National Housing Trust Fund: Approximately $1.5 million to expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and very low-income households.

Funding amounts are estimates and remain subject to federal appropriations and program requirements.

Grant application materials, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions will be available beginning Sept. 1 on the Office of Housing and Community Development website. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16.

For more information, contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at 808-961-8379.