Article submitted by Merrick Nishimoto, Housing Coalition Co-Chair.
Participants from the Vibrant Hawaiʻi Housing Coalition visited the Kaloko Heights Affordable Housing project on Thursday, March 21st. The project is located in Kona on approximately 11 acres of land off of Hina Lani street, mauka of Ane Keohokalole Highway, that was donated to Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation (HICDC) by a for-profit developer in the immediate area to satisfy the County of Hawaiʻi requirements found in the Hawaiʻi County Code (HCC) Chapter 11 "Housing".
Once completed, the Kaloko Heights project will include 100 affordable rental units: (48) 2-bedroom/1-bathroom apartments, and (52) 3-bedroom/2-bathroom apartments, and a community center. Completion is anticipated for the end of 2024.
The project is anticipated to have a large applicant pool due to the housing shortage and the great location of this development to jobs in and around Kona, as well as the many amenities such as schools, businesses, and government services. For those interested in renting one of the apartments, they are encouraged to monitor the HICDC website for instructions.
Special thanks to the following:
Participants who made time in their busy schedules to attend the tour.
Vibrant Hawaiʻi for organizing the event and providing an awesome bento from Hawaiʻi Island Catering Company.
HPM Building Supply for the donation of hard hats and vests for participants.
HICDC for welcoming the Housing Coalition tour.
HICDC, a nonprofit housing developer, has provided affordable housing opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island for over 20 years, through programs like Mutual Self Help Housing.