The third and final phase of the Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood in Hilo was completed months ahead of schedule.
The county Office of Housing and Community Development received more than 450 tenant applications for the 92 affordable housing units, which are available to low-income seniors 62 years and older who qualify for Section 8 rental assistance.
A lottery was conducted to prioritize applicants, and tenants will begin moving in May 8.
Prior to occupancy, the units will be sanitized to minimize the risk of COVID-19 contamination, and move-ins will occur gradually to maintain social distancing.
Six units per day will be occupied, one on each floor of the complex, and it will take 4-5 weeks to completely fill the apartment complex with qualified seniors.
The Mohouli Heights Senior Neighborhood project is a collaboration between the Hawaii Island Community Development Corporation — a Hilo-based nonprofit that assists low- to moderate income Big Island residents obtain affordable housing — Wells Fargo Bank, Sugar Creek Capital and Bank of Hawaii.
The 5.4-acre project site is leased from the county for a nominal $10 per year. Total development cost is projected to be $36 million, and the project was completed four months ahead of schedule.