Lima Ola Kauai

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Lima Ola Workforce Housing Development

“What began as a vision from the late Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, and developed through the leadership of former Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., today, Lima Ola is a testament to years of hard work, planning, and community partnerships. It is by far the largest affordable housing project the county has ever undertaken to date, and during a time when affordable housing is critical. We need affordable housing now more than ever, which is why I’m humbled to be part of this team who will take Lima Ola to the finish line.” – Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami

A unique community is taking shape in beautiful ʻEle’ele on Kauaʻi’s west shore. Lima Ola will be a master-planned community of new residences that are affordable with a range of rental and homeownership opportunities for Kauaʻi’s ʻohana; designed with green sustainable features that are environmentally responsible and lowers your energy cost; where healthy lifestyles are inspired through open spaces, walking paths and recreational areas; and be a close-knit community where gathering places encourage social interaction. Lima Ola is a place where families can thrive.

The Lima Ola Workforce Housing Development will eventually consist of approximately 550 new affordable housing units comprised of both single-family and multi-family homes that will be both for rent and for sale. Infrastructure work on Phase I began in November of 2020 and is scheduled to be completed in November of 2021. Once infrastructure for Phase I is completed work will begin on the first section of new homes in early 2022. Phase I is planned for 38 single-family homes and around 111 multi-family units.

If you are interested in homeownership opportunities at Lima Ola or other related county residential properties, you must be a participant of the County’s Homebuyer List. Those on the County’s Homebuyer List will be given the first opportunity to purchase at Lima Ola. You must be a Kauai resident, first time homebuyer and have completed homebuyer education classes.

To become a participant please visit Home buyer Program - Kauai.gov for the most current information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

If you have any other questions, please contact our office at 241-4444 or email: limaolakauai@kauai.gov

Announcements

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
LIMA OLA SUPPORTIVE HOUSING BLESSING - MAY 9, 2023

Blessing held for start of Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project on Tuesday

‘ELE‘ELE – The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency held a blessing ceremony on Tuesday for the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project in ‘Ele‘ele.

“When we broke ground for Lima Ola Phase One in 2020, all we could physically see on this entire 75-acre site was a lot of tall grass and red dirt,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Yet, we knew that one day we would see a place for our keiki to grow up, a place for our kupuna to thrive, a place for those struggling to find help, and a place for so many to finally call home. Today, we are one step closer to seeing that dream become a reality. As housing continues to be a critical need throughout our island, we celebrate this huge leap forward today, and thank all involved for your hard work and continued efforts which offer hope to our people.”

Tuesday’s ceremony commemorated the start of construction for the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project, which is modeled after the existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project located on Pua Loke Street in Līhu‘e.

The blessing was officiated by cultural practitioner Aletha Kaohi, and attended by about 50 individuals, including Governor Josh Green, M.D., Senate President Ronald Kouchi, members of the Kaua‘i County Council, and Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Interim Executive Director Dean Minakami.

“Addressing homelessness and creating more affordable housing in Hawai‘i takes compassion, leadership, and united action from all aspects and organizations,” said Governor Green. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our state and Kaua‘i county agencies, and partners for your dedication and hard work which brings us here today, commemorating the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project.”

The supportive housing model is intended to provide low-cost rental housing to Kaua‘i residents experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Under this model, tenants receive on-site social services to assist them in getting back on their feet and prepare them to move to more permanent housing. While tenancy in supportive housing is not intended to be permanent, it also is not strictly time limited as are traditional, transitional housing models.

A total of 24 units, studio and one-bedroom, will be built with square footage ranging from 240 to 400 square feet. The project will also include a community building that will include offices, a reception area, and laundry facilities.

A combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and State and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRF), Home-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds, and county Housing Development funds were utilized for the design and build of this project. The total cost of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project amounts to $4.37 million.

Shioi Construction is the contractor for this project which is anticipated to complete during the first quarter of 2024.

“We are grateful to our Housing Agency staff, Shioi Construction, HHFDC, all state and county partners, and especially our west side community for your continued commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities here on Kaua‘i,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi. “The supportive housing model has been a great success in Līhu‘e, and we are now excited to see this project develop and thrive here in West Kaua‘i.”

To see the announcement with photos click on the following: LIMA OLA SUPPORTIVE HOUSING BLESSING - MAY 9, 2023

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
COUNTY SELECTS DEVELOPER FOR AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS AT LIMA OLA - PHASE I

COUNTY SELECTS DEVELOPER FOR AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS AT LIMA OLA - PHASE I

Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, the Housing Agency recently selected the Ahe Group LLC to develop two proposed affordable rental housing projects in Phase I of Lima Ola. The first project will be a 45-unit multi-family project consisting of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units for low-income households. The second project will be a 40-unit rental project for seniors consisting of 1-bedroom units for low-income seniors. Tentative date for groundbreaking of these project is the Fall of 2022 with completion by the end of 2023.

Please note that these projects are still in the development stage and information about how to apply for these projects and income limits for tenants will be forthcoming.