Hale Makana O Uluwehi

Location: Mā’ili, Wai’anae, O’ahu

Type: Affordable Multi-Family Rental Housing

Units: 40

Status: In Progress

On November 26, 2019, pursuant to an RFP process, DHHL awarded HCDB the development rights to redevelop and manage the existing Ulu Ke Kukui Multi-family Housing Project located on Hawaiian Home Lands in Maili. This project entails the complete repurposing of the Ulu Ke Kukui transitional apartments into long term affordable rentals.

The present Ulu Ke Kukui units are small and were intentionally designed by Hawaii Housing Authority for short-term 30 day stays for homeless. The studios are 288 square feet per unit, and the two-bedrooms are only 600 square feet per unit. As currently designed, these studios, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom configurations would be below average size, undesirable, and not suitable for long-term living. Therefore, architects WCIT has designed the studio and two-bedrooms into 40 spacious two-bedroom, two-bath apartments or 8 units per building. The interior living space will be spacious with adequate closets, interior washer dryers, and new energy efficient appliances.

The new rental apartments will be separated by fencing from the social service buildings so that it will be viewed by the community as a stable place to live and no longer a transitional shelter. The Hale Makana O Uluwehi rental project will also serve as a stepping stone for native Hawaiians seeking single-family homeownership or if the family chooses to remain, a beautiful place to live and flourish. Hawaiian Community Assets will provide counseling and assistance.