Lima Ola Kauai

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

September 27, 2024

Blessing held for completion of Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project on Friday(PDF, 768KB)

‘ELE‘ELE – The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency held a blessing ceremony on Friday to commemorate the completion of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project in ‘Ele‘ele.

“Whenever we gather at this ‘Ele‘ele site, I can’t help but reflect upon the years of planning, hard work and community partnerships that are now coming to fruition,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami, who offered remarks on Friday. “I think about our late Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste who launched the vision of Lima Ola, while feeling grateful to former Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and his administration for laying the groundwork. As we bless the land and housing in this location, we also can’t forget the generous support of our community partners Alexander and Baldwin. And then there are times like today, where we can see what these past four years have become since our first groundbreaking for infrastructure and my heart is filled with appreciation. Mahalo and congratulations to this amazing team, past and present, for crossing another finish line together as new housing continues to be more critical than ever.”

Friday’s blessing was officiated by cultural practitioner Kahu Sean Chun, and attended by about 50 individuals including members of the Kaua‘i County Council, representatives from the offices of Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Representative Jill Tokuda, and Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Board Chair Gary Mackler who attended on behalf of Governor Josh Green, M.D.

“Providing housing is not just about creating a place for people to live, it’s about giving our people hope,” stated Governor Green. “Hope that they can come out of hard times and have a safe place to start over, to thrive, and to call home. My sincere appreciation goes out to all of our state and Kaua‘i county agencies, and community partners for their dedication to bring more housing to the island and help those who are ready to start a new chapter for themselves and their families.”

The Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project began construction in May 2023, with plans to model the County’s existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project located on Pua Loke Street in Līhu‘e. 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.

“The Lima Ola Permanently Supportive Housing Project is a valuable addition to the County’s low-cost housing inventory, but we must do more, and the Kaua‘i County Council stands ready to assist with future efforts to support our community’s most vulnerable,” said Kaua‘i County Council Vice Chair KipuKai Kuali‘i who expressed remarks at Friday's blessing. “Through the building of these and other homes, it’s clear, together we’re helping change lives!”

This project consists of 32 units, studio and one-bedroom, with square footage ranging from 240 to 400 square feet. It also includes a community building with 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 was $5.86 million, with Shioi Construction as the County’s contractor.

“We have seen how the supportive housing model has been a huge success in Līhu‘e and that is encouraging as we complete this project and embark on accepting applications for housing tenants here at Lima Ola,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi. “We extend our gratitude to HHFDC, Shioi Construction, our Housing Agency staff, state and county partners, and especially our west side community for sharing in this continued commitment to create more affordable housing opportunities for our Kaua‘i residents.”

September 6, 2024

Pre-applications for Lima Ola Supportive Housing project begins September 9, 2024 for houseless community

LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency will start accepting pre-applications from the houseless community for the Lima Ola Supportive Housing project on Monday, September 9th.

Paper pre-applications will be available for pick up at the Housing Agency during office hours at 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, in Līhu‘e. Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on holidays.

The Assistant Homeless Coordinator will be on hand to assist individuals filling out the pre-application. Completed pre-applications will be used to determine the waitlist for the project. A full application will be required at a later time.

For more information or questions, contact Kimberlynn Rubin at krubin@kauai.gov or call 808-241-4423.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Kimberlynn Rubin at krubin@kauai.gov or call 808-241-4423 as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

May 31, 2024

Housing applications available for Lima Ola Family and Senior Projects

‘ELE‘ELE – EAH Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit organization, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the County of Kaua‘i’s Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments.

The application process, which opened May 20, 2024, has been extended to June 14, 2024. Prospective residents can apply at: www.eahhousing.org/apartments/lima-ola. A lottery for new applicants will begin June 21, 2024.

“We are proud to join in announcing the opening of the newest affordable housing development on Kaua‘i,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “These projects, made possible in part by $13.14 million in County funding as well as $24.5 million in County of Kaua‘i tax exempt bonds, are bringing desperately needed affordable housing to the community of ‘Ele‘ele. We look forward to working with our partners the Ahe Group and EAH Housing to ensure that this new development serves the housing needs of our community for decades to come.”

EAH Housing has been selected by Āhē Group to manage Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments, the newest affordable housing development on Kaua‘i. The Lima Ola Family Apartments features 45 multi-family apartments, including 1-,2-, and 3-bedroom units and an on-site staff apartment. The Lima Ola Senior Apartments features 40 one-bedroom on-grade units with lanais.

The anticipated occupancy start is August to September 2024, with housing preferences for residents employed in the ‘Ele‘ele area.

“EAH Housing is thrilled to grow its partnership with Āhē Group and the County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency,” said Josh Romoff, Director of New Business for EAH Housing. “Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments represents our commitment to Kaua‘i and to providing quality affordable housing for people who need it most.”

The EAH Housing and Ahe Group partnership now serves more than 500 residents on seven properties and 345 apartments across Kaua‘i. The Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments announcement marks the successful expansion of a partnership which spans more than a decade.

“Ahe Group is pleased to continue our work with the County of Kaua‘i to expand housing opportunities for Kaua‘i residents,” said Makani Maeva, President of Ahe Group. “Together with our partners at EAH Housing we are confident that Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments will be a new community where generations of Kaua‘i families will live, grow and prosper.”

Lima Ola Family Apartments is located at 408 and 428 Kahunaone Street, ‘Ele‘ele, and Lima Ola Senior Apartments is located at 470 Kahunaone Street, ‘Ele‘ele. Both projects are close to the ‘Ele‘ele Shopping Center, nearby schools, medical services, recreational areas, and eateries. Rents are based on 30%-80% of the area median income.

About Ahe Group:

Ahe Group is one of Hawai‘i’s leaders in the affordable housing development industry and has demonstrated success in all facets of development, from acquisition and rehabilitation to new construction and ownership. Located in Kailua, Hawai‘i, Ahe Group is dedicated to developing quality affordable housing communities with an emphasis on multi-family, senior housing, and workforce housing units.

About EAH Housing:

Established in 1968, EAH Housing is one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the western United States. EAH develops affordable multifamily housing communities, manages more than 230 properties throughout California and Hawai‘i, and plays a leadership role in local, regional, and national housing advocacy efforts.

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact Steve Franco at 808-241-4444 or sfranco@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Lima Ola Family and Senior Housing Lot 45 May 2024

Photo Courtesy of Unlimited Construction: Lima Ola Family and Senior Apartments are still under construction with anticipated occupancy starting August to September 2024.

March 11, 2024

COUNTY UPDATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS AT LIMA OLA - PHASE I

Photo below: (Taken February 2024) Senior Rental Housing Project for Kauai residents 62 years-old and up. The project will be for 40, 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom units for seniors with a community garden and indoor/outdoor community space. Tentative to open by Fall 2024.

Lima Ola Senior Assisted Living Rental Project - February 2024

Photo below: On the left is the 32-unit Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project, tentative to open Summer 2024. On the right is the 45-unit Multi-Family rental project consisting of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units for low-income households, tentative to open Fall 2024.

Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project on left and Affordable Multi-Family Rental Complex on Right - February 2024

Photo below: The Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project is tentative to open Summer 2024, and is modeled after the existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project located on Pua Loke Street in Līhu‘e.

A total of 32 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.

Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project - February 2024

May 17, 2022

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 2024.

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.

Lima Ola Phase 1