County Accepting Applications for New Affordable Housing Development in Līhu‘e

Applications are not being accepted for the county’s newest affordable housing development in Līhu‘e.

Prospective residents of the Pua Loke Street Apartments can apply here. All completed applications received by 4 p.m. on July 16, 2021, will be eligible for the lottery. The lottery for new applicants will begin July 19, 2021. Applications received on or after 4:01 p.m. on July 16, will be processed according to the application completion date.

The county’s contractor, Ahe Group, has selected EAH Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit organization, to manage the Pua Loke Street Apartments. The development features 54 multi-family apartments, including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units and an on-site staff apartment.

The Pua Loke Street Apartments are scheduled to open in three phases on July 30, Aug. 30, and Oct. 18, 2021, with housing preferences for residents employed in the Līhu‘e area and for residents of the Ahupua‘a of Nāwiliwili.

“Thanks to the efforts of our administration and Housing team, Ahe Group, EAH Housing, and community partners, we are one step closer to getting our local families into homes right here in central Līhu‘e,” said Mayor Derek SK Kawakami. “The Pua Loke Street Apartments offer a prime location near businesses, schools, medical services, and restaurants. We look forward to the completion of this project where we hope our residents will not only find a home but a new hope, a lifetime of memories, and opportunities to thrive.”

The new affordable housing development is located at 4315 Pua Loke Street, in Līhu‘e. Rents are based on 30% to 100% of the area median income. Five apartments will be set aside to support families who have or are facing homelessness.

EAH Housing’s management team will work closely with Kaua‘i Community Alliance members, Bridging the Gap, and Family Life Services to place families in these apartments through the Coordinated Entry System. Rents will range from $437 to $2,600 per month for eligible applicants. Resident services will also be provided to some residents at no cost.

The total cost of the Pua Loke Apartments amounts to $28 million, with approximately $3 million funded by Kaua‘i County via the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program and Housing Trust Fund grants, and the County Development Revolving Fund.

“The completion of the Pua Loke Street Apartments directly across the street from our new Kealaula Supportive Housing Project creates a comprehensive neighborhood of housing solutions close to jobs, transportation, schools, and medical services,” said Adam Roversi, Housing Director. “With Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity’s Emergency Shelter, the County long-term supportive housing at Kealaula operated by Women-In-Need, and now permanently affordable apartments at Pua Loke Street, we have an ecosystem of housing support for all levels of need.”