The Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority (HPHA) has recently announced a significant step forward in addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis. Highridge Costa Development Co., a California-based company, has been selected as the Master Developer responsible for redeveloping part of the state’s public housing inventory. The ambitious project, named the Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project, aims to create over 10,000 affordable housing units across nine properties throughout the state.
The Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project
The Ka Lei Momi Project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to revitalize multiple communities within Hawaii’s public housing inventory. The project’s vision is to replace and create housing units for extremely low-income individuals, families, and workforce employees.
HPHA Executive Director Hakim Ouansafi expressed optimism about the project, stating, “Redevelopment presents an exceptional opportunity to close the gap between the need and supply of affordable housing in Hawaiʻi while also transforming our existing low-density public housing properties into modern, mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented communities.”
Affordable Housing in Hawaii is an Ongoing Effort
The announcement of the Ka Lei Momi Project follows recent bill signings by Governor Josh Green, M.D., aimed at alleviating the housing shortage and supporting individuals facing homelessness. Governor Green emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “All of these pieces work together to really help alleviate the housing crisis.”
Highridge Costa’s President and CEO, Michael Costa, praised Governor Green’s commitment to affordable housing, while Moe Mohanna, President of Highridge Costa Development Company, expressed the company’s dedication to delivering new housing communities that will change the lives of kamaʻāina.
The Properties
The nine properties slated for redevelopment include Mayor Wright Homes in Honolulu, Puʻuwai Momi in ʻAiea, Kaʻahumanu Homes in Honolulu, Kamehameha Homes in Honolulu, Hale Laulima in Pearl City, Nānākuli Homes in Waiʻanae, Lanakila Homes in Hilo, Kahekili Terrace in Wailuku, and Kapaʻa in Kapaʻa.
In conclusion, the Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project represents a significant stride towards addressing Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. By transforming existing public housing properties into modern, mixed-use communities, the project promises to bring much-needed relief to Hawaii’s low-income individuals and families.
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.
