Housing Authority Awarded $9M to Improve Public Housing

Happy Valley, Holowai Place. The Kahelili Terrace housing is located on Holowai Place in the Wailuku district. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority was awarded more than $9 million in federal grant funds for large-scale improvements to public housing units.

The award from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development is for the building, repair, renovation, and modernization of public housing facilities. Sample improvements include new roofs, energy-efficient upgrades, and replacement of old plumbing and electrical systems.

“This funding is critical for housing authorities to maintain and improve public housing conditions for their residents,” said Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“With a significant repair backlog, I am encouraged by new, innovative long-term solutions HUD is exploring that can be combined with this funding to not only protect and preserve this housing for the next generation, but to also build the quality infrastructure necessary for families to thrive,” said Donovan in a press release announcing the funding release.

HUD Regional Administrator Ophelia Basgal also commented saying, “The housing authority in Hawaii counts on this funding to maintain and improve its public housing for many families, especially the most vulnerable – our seniors.”

She continued saying, “HUD is currently taking bold steps to preserve this affordable housing.”

According to information published by the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaiʻi, there are several public housing facilities on Maui including: David Malo Circle on Mill Street in Lahaina, Honokōwai Kauhale on Lower Honoapiʻilani Road in Lahaina, Kahale Mua in Maunaloa on Molokaʻi, Kahelili Terrace on Holowai Place in Wailuku, Makani Kai Hale I and II in Waiehu, and Piʻilani Homes on Waineʻe Street in Lahaina.