WAIMEA, Hawaii — The County of Kauai Housing Agency is seeking public input to help guide the early efforts for the affordable housing portion of the Waimea 400 Master Plan project.

In Jan. 2022, the county laid out the design and preferred uses of the Waimea 400 Master Plan, a 417-acre parcel purchased by the county in 2019. The master plan brought together knowledge, ideas and input from residents, agencies and resource partners.

Affordable housing will make up about 60 acres of the site located just west of Waimea Canyon Middle School and the Waimea Sunset subdivision.

The county is encouraging residents to participate in the Waimea 400 community survey and sign up for email updates on the project.

“We are excited to take this next step forward in the Waimea 400 initiative as we all understand there is a critical need for more affordable housing here on Kauai,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a news release. “Mahalo to our entire county team for your commitment to this project while continuing to honor our west-side community’s desires in preserving the unique characteristics of historic Waimea Town.”

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.