ELEELE, Hawaii — The Kauai County Housing Agency on Friday held a blessing ceremony to commemorate the completion of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project in ʻEleʻele.

What You Need To Know

  • “Providing housing is not just about creating a place for people to live, it’s about giving our people hope,” stated Green

  • Tenants at this supportive housing will receive on-site social services to help get them back on their feet and on to more permanent housing

  • The supportive housing model isn’t meant to be permanent, however, it doesn’t limit stays as traditional transitional housing does

  • The project, which began construction in May 2023, consists of 32 units, studio and one-bedroom, ranging from 240 to 400 square feet

“Whenever we gather at this ʻEleʻele site, I can’t help but reflect upon the years of planning, hard work and community partnerships that are now coming to fruition,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami on Friday. “I think about our late Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste who launched the vision of Lima Ola, while feeling grateful to former Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his administration for laying the groundwork. As we bless the land and housing in this location, we also can’t forget the generous support of our community partners Alexander and Baldwin.

“And then there are times like today, where we can see what these past four years have become since our first groundbreaking for infrastructure and my heart is filled with appreciation. Mahalo and congratulations to this amazing team, past and present, for crossing another finish line together as new housing continues to be more critical than ever,” Kawakami said.

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami addressed the crowd at the blessing remembering all those who played a role from the initial vision of Lima Ola to its completion. (courtesy County of Kauai)

Officiated by Kahu Sean Chun, attendees included members of the Kauai County Council, representatives from the offices of Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Representative Jill Tokuda, and Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board Chair Gary Mackler, who attended on behalf of Gov. Josh Green.

“Providing housing is not just about creating a place for people to live, it’s about giving our people hope,” stated Green. “Hope that they can come out of hard times and have a safe place to start over, to thrive, and to call home. My sincere appreciation goes out to all of our state and Kauai county agencies, and community partners for their dedication to bring more housing to the island and help those who are ready to start a new chapter for themselves and their families.”

The Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project models the county’s existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project in Lihue that provides low-cost rental housing to Kauai residents experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

With this model, tenants receive on-site social services to help get them back on their feet and on to more permanent housing. Supportive housing isn’t meant to be permanent, however, it doesn’t limit stays as traditional transitional housing does.

“The Lima Ola Permanently Supportive Housing Project is a valuable addition to the county’s low-cost housing inventory, but we must do more, and the Kauai County Council stands ready to assist with future efforts to support our community’s most vulnerable,” said Kauai County Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kualiʻi who shared remarks at Friday's blessing. “Through the building of these and other homes, it’s clear, together we’re helping change lives!”

The project, which began construction in May 2023, consists of 32 units, studio and one-bedroom, ranging from 240 to 400 square feet. There is a community building with offices, a reception area and laundry facilities.

Pre-applications were being accepted from Sept. 9.

The total cost of the project was $5.86 million funded by a combination of American Rescue Plan Act and State and Local Recovery Funds, Home-American Rescue Plan funds, and county Housing Development funds.