Hawaiian Homes is Expanding its Housing Options

A new set of rules will allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to offer multi-family units, kūpuna homes, and rental housing options. 

Gov. David Ige signed Chapter 10-7 of Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules: “Planned Communities, Multi-Family Complexes and Rental Housing” today alongside DHHL director William Aila. 

The rules, as Ige explained, is a part of the stateʻs efforts to “ensure that we have the broadest set of options for beneficiaries so that they can get into homesteads and housing as quickly as possible.” 

Ige noted that the decision to provide rentals could assist beneficiaries in eventually obtaining permanent leases. 

“Many beneficiaries are unable to afford the options we currently have,” Ige added. 

During the conference, Aila thanked the governor for his contributions to expanding housing choices for beneficiaries. 

“With your support weʻve been able to get creative,” Aila said. “These rules offer an excellent tool in our tool chest.”

In addition to the new rules, the director said the department will partner with other Hawaiian entities to determine how to grant kūpuna housing options. 

Aila also announced that an affordable housing project to offer about 137 turn-key homes on Maui is in the works. 

Meanwhile, the governor said the new rules will help the department “move forward,” and he expects 1,300 lots will be developed over the next five years.