HONOLULU — The Honolulu Department of Community Services is awarding more than $28 million to six projects that will together add nearly 1,000 affordable housing units to the local market within the next five years.

What You Need To Know

  • Three of the projects are ready to begin construction

  • Three other projects will receive funding to acquire land, with a commitment to complete construction within the next five years

  • Affordable Housing Fund monies that were not awarded this round will be combined with $7,166,000 approved this year by the Honolulu City Council and will be awarded in the fall

  • The Affordable Housing Fund is funded by 0.5% of Real Property Taxes, roughly $7 million each year

Mayor Rick Blangiardi joined DCS director Antron Krucky and members of the Honolulu City Council Tuesday in making the announcement. The awards come from the city’s Affordable Housing Fund.

“From Day 1 of this administration, our team has emphasized the need to create affordable housing for the residents of Honolulu Blangiardi said. “While it has taken some time to be thorough and deliberate in our review and recommendation of awards, I am pleased that these six projects represent that start of a new beginning for our city, and I look forward to future funding opportunities. Further, I appreciate his help and advice, as well as additional funding offered by (Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy) Waters and members of the City Council to build more affordable housing on Oahu.”

Three of the projects are ready to begin construction.

Hui Kauhale was awarded $6 million for its Halewiliko project in Aiea, which will include 140 affordable units. Hawaii Assisted Housing Inc. received awards of $5 million and $3,92,433 for its Halawa View II (302 affordable units) and Hocking Hale (40) projects respectively.

Three other projects will receive funding to acquire land, with a commitment to complete construction within the next five years.

Hawaiian Community Development Board was awarded $4.9 million for Ohana Hale (180 affordable units). AHED Foundation will receive $4.8 for its Kailua Lofts (42 units) and Hawaii Assisted Living Housing Inc. will get $3.549,556 for its Waialua Mill Camp (268 units)

“Our team’s focus is on developing housing that is truly affordable for Oahu’s families,” Krucky said.

Krucky said Affordable Housing Fund monies that were not awarded this round will be combined with $7,166,000 approved this year by the Honolulu City Council and will be awarded in the fall.

The department will also award about $20 million in U.S. Treasury State and Local Federal Relief Funds and $9.5 million in HOME-American Rescue Plan funds around the same time, Krucky said.

In December, the city and county made some $40 million in Affordable Housing Fund monies available to fund units at 60% Area Median Income or below for 60 years. The current income eligibility limit for 60% Area Median Income is less than $70,560 for a family of three, less than $62,700 for a couple, or less than $54,900 for a single individual.

The city received 16 applications for funding by its February deadline.

The Affordable Housing Fund is funded by 0.5% of Real Property Taxes, roughly $7 million each year.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.