Mayor Caldwell introduces Wai‘anae temporary family housing proposal

News Release from City and County of Honolulu September 21, 2015

Wai‘anae – Mayor Kirk Caldwell was joined today in Wai‘anae by Managing Director Roy Amemiya, Office of Strategic Development Administrator Sandra Pfund, Department of Community Services Director Gary Nakata, Office of Housing Executive Director Jun Yang, and community members to announce a proposal for modular temporary housing to serve families in Leeward O‘ahu.

“Homelessness is an island-wide issue,” said Mayor Caldwell.  “Individuals, couples, and families with children are experiencing homelessness.  We are committed to providing immediate relief to get people off of the streets and into shelter as we increase O‘ahu’s inventory of affordable rentals.  This project will provide that bridge from being unsheltered to permanent housing for struggling families on the West Side.”

Preliminary projections for the site are to accommodate between 75 and 90 people in 16 to 20 modular units by the summer of 2016.  The estimated cost for the land and 20 modular units, including a program office, is $2.3 million.  While Hale Mauliola at Sand Island will serve as low barrier transitional housing for individuals and couples experiencing homelessness, the Farrington Highway project would cater to families with children.

The city is currently executing its due diligence towards the purchase of the 1.1 acre property located at 85-248 Farrington Highway.  Barring any complications with the purchase, the transaction should be completed in October.  After site preparations are made following the acquisition of the property, separate Request for Proposals for development and operation of the site would be issued by the end of the year.

Presentations on the proposal will be made at upcoming Wai‘anae and Nānākuli Neighborhood Board meetings.

Draft site plan artist rendering here.

-END-

LINK: Neighborhood Board Agenda