Kauaʻi County’s Housing Agency to open applications for community development block grants

The County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency will soon open the application process for 2026 Community Development Block Grants.

Online applications will be available beginning Friday on the Housing Agency’s CDBG webpage. The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 13, by 4:30 p.m.

A virtual informational meeting and webinar will be held on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. The session will provide an overview of federal funding for community needs, allow for public comment, and explain how to apply for funds from the Community Development Block Grants.

Additional documents, materials and application instructions are available at the CDBG Program webpage.

In addition to the virtual meeting, the Housing Agency will host in-person meetings as follows:

• Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center, 4491 Kou Street in Kapa‘a.
• Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. at the Waimea Neighborhood Center, 4556 Makeke Road in Waimea.
• Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building, Meeting Room 3 (Liquor Commission Conference Room), 4444 Rice Street in Līhu‘e.

The Community Development Block Grants Program is a federally funded initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Its goal is to strengthen communities by providing affordable housing, fostering a suitable living environment, and creating economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Kaua‘i.

To address community needs, the Housing Agency works closely with non-profit organizations, service providers, private and government partners, and affordable housing developers.

Past projects have included services for people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse prevention programs and youth education.

CDBG funds also have supported shelter and family center rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, transitional housing, affordable rental units and homeownership opportunities through down payment assistance and gap financing.

The Housing Agency is also seeking public input on the first year of its 2025–2030 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2026 Annual Action Plan. These plans guide the use of federal funding to improve access to safe, affordable housing and expand economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income families.

The Consolidated Plan focuses on three key areas: housing, homelessness and community development. To qualify for certain HUD programs, the county must submit an approved housing strategy and Consolidated 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 4:30 pm on Nov. 13 will be considered in preparing the Annual Action Plan 2026.

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

If you need an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Housing Agency at housing@kauai.gov or 808-242-4444 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.