State housing program expanded to support City employees in critical professions

News release from City and County of Honolulu, February 25, 2025 

HONOLULU – In a significant step toward addressing workforce shortages and supporting local employees, the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) has expanded its Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program (DEP) to include City and County of Honolulu employees in key professions facing staffing challenges.

Effective immediately, emergency medical technicians, water safety officers, construction inspectors, and victim/witness advocates (TRANSLATION: "lawyers and activists") are now eligible to participate in the DEP program, joining Honolulu police officers, law enforcement and corrections officers, health care workers, educators, and agricultural field workers who already qualify. The DEP program is designed to make homeownership more accessible for established Hawaiʻi residents in professions critical to the community.

“Making homeownership more attainable for our dedicated City and County employees is absolutely a critical step in addressing our workforce challenges,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This expansion of the DEP program acknowledges the invaluable service of our emergency first responders, inspectors, and victim advocates—individuals who are essential to the well-being and safety of our community. We are deeply grateful for this collaboration with HHFDC, which will help keep our hardworking professionals here in Hawaiʻi, where they belong.”

HHFDC worked closely with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Human Resources to adjust its eligibility guidelines and ensure that the program effectively serves employees in high-need fields.

“The City and County of Honolulu is committed to attracting and retaining a talented workforce to ensure the delivery of essential services to our residents and visitors,” said Department of Human Resources Director Nola Miyasaki. “The high cost of homeownership presents a significant challenge for many of our employees. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with HHFDC to expand the eligibility for the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program (DEP), making it a valuable tool to support the retention of our dedicated staff and help attract qualified individuals for these critical hard-to-fill positions.”

“The ability to afford a home is a key factor in whether young professionals choose to stay in Hawaiʻi or move elsewhere,” added Dean Minakami, HHFDC Executive Director. “We firmly believe that the DEP program will help those in critical professions, such as paramedics and inspectors, to put down roots and continue serving our communities.”

Launched last year, the DEP program enables HHFDC to purchase equity in designated starter units within approved housing developments, allowing eligible homebuyers to buy units at significantly reduced prices. Participating developments include Kuilei Place, Sky Ala Moana West, and The Park on Ke‘eaumoku.

Starter units available through DEP range from studio units with one bathroom to two-bedroom units with up to one-and-a-half bathrooms. The equity assistance provided by HHFDC varies by unit size and type, ensuring that homeownership becomes a more attainable reality for those who serve Hawaiʻi’s communities.

For more information on the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program, visit the HHFDC DEP program page by clicking here.

—PAU—