HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a two-year construction period, a new affordable housing development is now open in Halawa.
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A blessing and grand opening took place on Friday at Naulu Apartments on Kalaloa Street.
The 25-story building overlooking Pearl Harbor features 302 studio, one-, two-, and four-bedroom units reserved for households earning between 30 and 60% of the area median income.
“It’s such a blessing for me and my family, because the size of our family and the cost of rentals in Hawaii are so high,” said resident Robert Lindsey.
Rents including utilities will range from $704 for a studio for individuals at the 30% AMI level to $2,404 for a four-bedroom unit for those at the 60% AMI level, based on the 2024 U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines.
Officials say it is the largest low-income housing tax credit project built in Hawaii in the last 15 years.
The new construction is being hailed as a major step toward resolving the state’s housing crisis, given the rising cost of living and scarcity of affordable homes around Hawaii.
To accommodate a range of household sizes, the units will feature a mix of apartments with one, two, and three bedrooms. In order to create a balanced and livable environment, the design also includes amenities like green spaces, community spaces, and easy access to public transit.
Advocates for affordable housing point out that projects like these support long-term community stability and economic growth in addition to offering those who are struggling with high rents immediate respite. Families may devote more funds to healthcare, education, and other necessities if housing expenses are kept reasonable.
“Naulu Apartments is a shining example of the good that can be accomplished when the private sector, the state government and city government come together for a common objective,” said Gov. Josh Green of the $168 million project.
As a condition of government financing, rents will remain affordable for low-income households for at least 61 years.
The developer, Pacific Development Group, commissioned local artists to paint several murals on the property. Gavin Murai, who lives in the area, created an abstract, two-story artwork in soft, blue hues near the elevator bank.
Murai said of his inspiration, “Every day when I drive out to drop off my daughter at school, I look toward the valley and see the clouds rolling in over the Koolaus, which has a misty calming effect.”
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