Below is a list of archived Office of Housing and Community Development Media Releases from 2023. If you would like to view more recent media releases, click here.

The County of Hawai’i Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) announces the selection of 22 projects for grant funding of over $9.7 million toward addressing homelessness on Hawaiʻi Island.

Spencer ʻOhana Graduates Family Self-Sufficiency Program

The Spencer 'ohana is the most recent graduates of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program that helps recipients of federal rental assistance empower themselves to reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies, and ultimately move up the economic ladder.

Mayor Roth Signs Bill 72 Establishing Preference For Local Families

Bill 72 amends key provisions of Hawaiʻi County’s Affordable Housing Policy (Hawaiʻi County Code Chapter 11) to enhance access to affordable housing for those who live and work on Hawaiʻi Island.

County to Award $17.3 Million in Grants for Affordable Housing

Millions of dollars aimed at expanding the availability and affordability of housing on Hawaiʻi Island are one step closer to being put into action. The Hawaiʻi County Council on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, voted 7-0 on the first reading of Bill 96 and its accompanying resolution to authorize the Office of Housing and Community Development to award over $17.3 million via the Affordable Housing Production Program.

Sacred Heart Affordable Housing Project Ready to Welcome Residents

Permanent affordable housing and supportive services for kūpuna experiencing homelessness are now a reality in Pahoa thanks to the efforts of HOPE Services Hawaiʻi and many dedicated community partners.

County Council Authorizes Lease Negotiations for South Kohala Affordable Housing Project

A South Kohala project that will add 140 family rentals to the County of Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing stock moved another step forward this week.

Self-Help Housing Program Helps Families Realize Dream of Homeownership

The Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation dedicated the first phase of its ʻĀinaloa Mutual Self-Help Housing Program during a ceremony held Friday, October 27, 2023. The 10 three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes will serve families earning between 30% and 80% of area median income.

County Secures State Land for Affordable Housing

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development has secured nearly 35 acres of state land to develop affordable housing opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island residents. Six of the parcels are located in South Hilo and two others are located in North Kona.

Community Celebrates Dedication of Waikoloa Family Affordable

Members of the community joined dignitaries and developers on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, to mark the completion and grand opening of the 110-unit Waikoloa Family Affordable project in South Kohala.

OHCD Seeking Feedback For Consolidated Plan

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is gathering feedback for its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (CP).

OHCD Accepting Proposals for CDBG, HOME, HOME-ARP, and HTF Funding

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development has issued a request for proposals for a share of over $10 million in federal funds. Proposals for funding via the CDBG, HOME, HOME-ARP and HTF programs will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. November 15, 2023.

Open House Planned for 34 Rainbow Drive Site Improvements

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development invites residents and stakeholders to an open house on September 14, 2023, to review a proposed master plan for the future of 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo. The concepts to be presented reflect the community input from the meeting held on May 15, 2023, and online surveys and comments for additional consideration.

County Offers Second Round of Homelessness and Housing Support Grants

The County of Hawai’i, through its Office of Housing and Community Development, is requesting proposals from qualified non-profit organizations, research and educational institutions, and government agencies for a share of $10 million in Homelessness and Housing Support Grants.

OHCD Encourages Housing Voucher Participants to Comment on Improving Access to HUD Programs

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is encouraging Housing Choice Voucher Program participants to take a few minutes to tell the federal government how it can make these programs easier to access and use.

Waikoloa Family Affordable Ready for Occupancy

Waikoloa Family Affordable’s 110 rental units will begin filling with families this summer following completion of construction of the estimated $46 million project in Waikoloa Village.

OHCD Seeks Input on 34 Rainbow Drive Master Plan

The Office of Housing and Community Development is encouraging the community to participate in the master planning process for the future of 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo.

County Seeks New Non-profit to Manage Kona Emergency Shelter

The Office of Housing and Community Development is seeking a new non-profit entity to manage Ka Lamakū Emergency Shelter located at Old Kona Airport in Kailua-Kona.

After more than a year in operation, the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program is expanding to provide more assistance and expand eligibility to help even more homeowners in Hawaiʻi.

Discrimination against voucher holders and recipients of other housing assistance programs is now illegal for many landlords in Hawaiʻi. Act 310, which became law on May 1, 2023, prohibits discrimination against prospective or current tenants based on participation in a Permanent Supportive Housing programs or any Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.

Blessing held for Kaloko Heights Affordable Housing Project

A blessing ceremony and groundbreaking were held Friday, April 28, 2023, for Hawaiʻi Island’s newest affordable housing development that will provide dozens of much-needed homes for low-income families in Kailua-Kona.

Community Meeting Scheduled May 15 for 34 Rainbow Drive Project

The Hawaiʻi County Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. to gather input and recommendations for the development of a master plan for the old Hilo Memorial Hospital site at 34 Rainbow Drive.

Hawaiʻi County Seeks Proposals for Affordable Housing Production Program Funding

Up to $18 million in Affordable Housing Production Program funds are available to qualified developers, non-profit and for-profit organizations, public agencies, and community land trusts working to increase, support, or sustain affordable housing in Hawai’i County. 

Come learn about the various programs of study offered by Hawai’i Community College, network with over three dozen employers, connect with community resources, and much more during Hawaiʻi Community College Day on Saturday, April 22, in Hilo.

The Hawai’i County Office of Housing and Community Development is offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus for Hawai’i Island Landlords taking part in select housing assistance programs.

The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) is urging Hawaiʻi residents to respond to a major survey that is needed to assess issues relating to housing supply and demand throughout the state.