In a landmark occasion, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) broke ground on its first high-rise rental apartment Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. The event marks the start of a two-year development process to build the state’s only affordable housing project exclusively serving DHHL beneficiaries.
“Innovative projects like Hale Mōʻiliʻili ensure our Native Hawaiian families have a place to call home,” said Gov. Josh Green, M.D. “This opportunity has the potential to empower beneficiaries and create meaningful change. My administration will continue to encourage our leadership to seek bold strategies in the creation of affordable housing options and a project like this deserves our community’s support.”
Hale Mōʻiliʻili includes a 23-story high-rise tower with 271 units comprising 23 studios, 23 one-bedroom units, 203 two-bedroom units and 22 three-bedroom units. The project includes a two-story townhouse with seven three-bedroom units overlooking Old Stadium Park and a 290-stall parking structure.
DHHL beneficiaries opting to rent a unit will retain their position on the waitlist while they await a lease award. Tenant income thresholds will range from 30-100% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual median income (AMI) requirements with rents ranging from $657 to $3,460.
“We’re delivering on our promise to provide affordable rental housing to beneficiaries on our waitlist,” Kali Watson, DHHL director said. “This housing model will serve as a pilot for future developments.”
Individuals on the waitlist will be notified of the chance to apply for housing approximately six months before the project’s completion. The Oʻahu residential waitlist currently stands at more than 11,400, representing the largest need for beneficiary housing of any county in the state.
The project will cost $155 million to develop.
The Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Board of Directors assisted the development through the approval of $41.5 million in low-interest loans (through the Rental Housing Revolving Fund), approximately $4.7 million in annual federal and state low-income tax credits (through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit or LIHTC program) and $80 million in tax-exempt private activity bonds.
The Stadium Bowl-O-Drome bowling alley opened its doors in 1955, closed in 2004, and has sat idle since. Originally acquired from the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 1995, the nearly 2-acre parcel borders Old Stadium Park, an area that has raised growing concerns for neighboring residents.
“We strive to build more than just homes, it’s our goal to cultivate communities,” said Stanford Carr, project developer. “Hale Mōʻiliʻili will empower its residents to take pride in their neighborhood, forge connections, and serve as a catalyst for positive change.”
In addition to providing housing, Hale Mōʻiliʻili will offer social services like financial literacy courses and keiki programs, and spaces for small businesses to serve the community. All enhancements to the site are designed to rejuvenate the area while honoring the historical significance of the Stadium Bowl-O-Drome.
 broke ground on its first high-rise rental apartment Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.){kind=link}