Highridge Costa to Build 10K Affordable Units in Hawaii
The multiple-phase project will redevelop part of the state’s public housing inventory.
Left to right: Chris Deuchar (Form Partners), Hakim Ouansafi (HPHA), Moe Mohanna (Highridge Costa), Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green and Michael Costa (Highridge Costa). Image courtesy of Highridge Costa
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has appointed Highridge Costa Development Co. as master developer of the Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project, which involves part of Hawaii’s public housing inventory.
Highridge Costa will add more than 10,000 affordable housing units to nine properties throughout the state. The project’s scope is to replace and build new housing units for extremely low-income individuals, families and workforce employees, transforming the existing low-density public housing properties into modern mixed-income and transit-oriented communities.
The following properties will receive a total of 10,880 units, according to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser:
- Mayor Wright Homes in Honolulu (364 existing units). Additional units: 2,450
- Puʻuwai Momi in ʻAiea (260 existing units). Additional units: 2,170
- Kaʻahumanu Homes in Honolulu (152 existing units). Additional units: 1,550
- Kamehameha Homes in Honolulu (221 existing units). Additional units: 2,950
- Hale Laulima in Pearl City (36 existing units). Additional units: 700
- Nānākuli Homes in Waiʻanae (36 existing units). Additional units: 500
- Lanakila Homes in Hilo. Additional units: 250
- Kahekili Terrace in Wailuku (82 existing units). Additional units: 200
- Kapaʻa in Kapaʻa (36 existing units). Additional units: 110.
The appointment came on the heels of recent bill signings that bring a supportive housing pilot program and relief for individuals facing homelessness.
Hawaii’s shortage of affordable housing
The state’s shortage of affordable housing became a major issue in recent years, with the cost of housing being among the highest in the U.S. The high cost of living, the limited available land for construction and the increasing demand are just some of the immediate challenges worsening the affordable housing crisis. The limited funding resources and legislative concerns also create obstacles for future developments.
The first affordable housing community in a Big Island resort will break ground later this year or in 2024. Waikoloa Vacation Rentals plans to build a 229-unit affordable housing project in Waikoloa, Hawaii, catering to residents earning between 30 and 100 percent of the area median income.
