The public is invited to an informational meeting Monday where the proposed Kuakini Heights Affordable Housing Project details will be presented.
The project is proposed to be built in the heart of Kona, behind Lowe’s Home Improvement, by the affordable housing developer Ahe Group located in Kailua, Oahu.
Ahe is proposing 100 rental units for residents who fall in the 30% to 60% of Hawaii County Median income, which ranges from $39,200 to $78,400 for a family of four.
Fourteen one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom, and 13 three-bedroom units would be built on a 10-acre parcel off Malulani Drive.
Rezoning of the acreage in 2006 for residential development triggered Chapter 11 Affordable Housing Policy requirements.
Ahe will also explain the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 201H process of the Hawaii Housing, Finance and Development Corporation, which would allow them exemption from some planning, zoning and land development requirements.
The meeting will outline the scope of the project and allow for a question and answer session with community members who would like to comment and present concerns.
Ahe has developed various affordable housing projects around the state, including Lokahi Ka‘u in North Kona.
Ahe Group develops quality affordable housing communities with an emphasis on multi-family, senior housing, and workforce housing units. Since 2014 they have overseen more than $56 million in new construction and rehabilitation for affordable housing in the state.
The presentation will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale, Building G.
“The Office of Housing and Community Development fully supports this project that will add 100 much-needed affordable housing units in the core of Kailua-Kona,” said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. “We encourage the community to attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity.”
