The Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood is getting ready to expand with the planned addition of 30 new units.
The Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood is getting ready to expand with the planned addition of 30 new units.
The existing 60-unit senior housing project on Mohouli Street in Hilo opened in April 2014 and has a waiting list of more than 400 people, said Keith Kato, Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation executive director.
Kato said construction of the new one-bedroom apartments is expected to begin in early 2016 and be complete about a year later.
This second phase will cost $8.3 million; funding has been secured from local banks with affordable housing tax credits and state and county sources, he said.
The nonprofit corporation operates the housing project on 16 acres of land it leases from Hawaii County. The land previously belonged to the state but was transferred to the county to provide affordable housing for seniors.
Kato said residents must be at least 62-years-old with an income no more than 50 percent of area’s median income.
Section 8 housing vouchers are accepted. The project’s second phase will include 2-story buildings, which requires a county code exemption.
The County Council’s Human Services and Social Services Committee will consider the request Tuesday.
The more compact design would reduce cost, HICDC said. The buildings will include elevators.
Kato said funding is being sought for another 60-unit expansion and an adult day center.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.