Kaua‘i Housing Agency to launch 2025 Community Development Block Grant Program

The county of Kaua‘i Housing Agency is preparing to launch its Community Development Block Grant Program application process for 2025 projects.

A link to the online applications will be available on Oct. 4, on the CDBG webpage of the Housing Agency’s website, www.kauai.gov/housing, under the “Housing and Community Development” tab. Applications are due on Nov. 12, by 4:30 p.m.

A virtual meeting and informational webinar will be held on Oct. 9, at 2 p.m., to discuss the use of federal funds for community needs, receive public comment and input, and provide information on how to apply for funding.

Connectivity information to attend the virtual meeting and webinar will be on the county’s website at www.kauai.gov/housing.  Documents, materials and information on how to apply for CDBG funding is also available on the Housing Agency’s website here.

In-person meetings have also been scheduled as follows:

• Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center (4491 Kou Street, Kapa‘a)
• Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building, Meeting Room 3 – Liquor Commission Conference Room (4444 Rice Street, Līhu‘e)
• Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. at Waimea Neighborhood Center (4556 Makeke Road, Waimea)

The CDBG Program is a federally funded grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program aims to develop and improve communities by providing decent and affordable housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities to low-and moderate-income people on Kaua‘i.

To meet the needs of the community, the Housing Agency relies on collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations, service providers, private and government entities, and non-profit affordable housing developers. Some examples include services to those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse prevention, and education for youth.

CDBG funds have been used to rehabilitate shelters, family centers, and for off-site infrastructure and improvements. CDBG funds have also been used to support transitional housing, affordable rental units and opportunities for first-time homeownership through home purchases or gap and primary loans.

The Housing Agency will also receive comments on the upcoming five-year consolidated plan for program years 2025-2030 and Annual Action Plan for program year 2025. The purpose of the consolidated plan and the annual action plan is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving federal assistance, plan for housing and related needs in a way that improves availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing and creates economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income families in our community.

The consolidated plan focuses on three areas of concern: housing, homelessness and community development. To receive funds made available under certain HUD programs, the county must have a housing strategy and a consolidated plan that has been approved by HUD.

Interested persons are invited to attend the in-person or virtual public meetings and provide comments on the upcoming consolidated plan and annual action plan.

Written comments may also be mailed to 4444 Rice Street, Suite 330, Līhu‘e, HI 96766 or emailed to housing@kauai.gov. All comments received by Nov. 12 will be considered in preparing the Annual Action Plan 2025.

Closed captioning services will be provided for the virtual meeting and webinar.