Blessing held for completion of Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project

A low-cost housing project in ‘Ele‘ele, meant to help those experiencing homelessness, is now complete.

The Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project was blessed by cultural practitioner Kahu Sean Chun on Friday. According to a county press release, the event was 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 Gov. Josh Green.

“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.”

Construction on this project began in May 2023 and 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.

The project was modeled after Kaua‘i County’s existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project, located on Pua Loke Street in Līhu‘e, the release stated.

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.

“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…”

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.”

Those interested in homeownership opportunities at Lima Ola or other related county residential properties 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 Kaua‘i resident, first-time homebuyer and have completed homebuyer education classes.

To become a participant visit Home Buyer Program – Kauai.gov for the most current information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

For questions, call the county office at 808-241-4444 or email limaolakauai@kauai.gov.