2 Kaua‘i nonprofits join forces to develop affordable housing in Līhu‘e

Kauaʻi Housing Development Corporation and Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity will be collaborating on an affordable housing development planned for Ahukini Road in Līhuʻe.

The project is designed for kūpuna, working families and local residents across a range of income levels.

“This effort reflects years of planning, coordination and commitment to doing housing differently — thoughtfully, collaboratively and with the future of Kauaʻi in mind,” said Hobey Beck, president for Kauaʻi Housing Development Corporation. “By working together, we’re laying the groundwork for housing that can move forward without losing sight of community needs.”

The project is made possible through a land grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, supporting a shared commitment to housing that benefits local families over the long term through preserving limited developable land on Kauaʻi, according to a joint press release from the Kauaʻi Housing Development Corporation and Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity.

Kauaʻi Housing Development Corporation will serve as the lead developer for the overall project, creating 111 units of housing, with Habitat for Humanity participating as a development partner, according to a joint press release. The organizations will share pre-development responsibilities and selected development work, allowing the project to advance efficiently while aligning with each organization’s mission and expertise.

The planned development includes a mix of rental and homeownership opportunities. The Housing Development Corporation will offer 48 kūpuna rental units, supporting aging in place 33 multi-family rental units serving individuals and families.

Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity will lead homeownership efforts for the site. The nonprofit will independently develop a designated portion of the site with a planned 15 two-story duplex buildings, creating 30 for-sale homes, according to the news release.

These homes will primarily serve households earning 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and below Habitat will partner with Permanently Affordable Living Hawaiʻi (PAL) to explore ways to make a portion of the homes available to local working households earning 80–120% of Area Median Income.

Habitat is exploring placing some or all homes into a community land trust to ensure long-term, permanent affordability.

“For many local residents, the housing outlook can feel discouraging,” said Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Milani Pimental. “This partnership is about restoring hope, showing that community organizations are working together to create real pathways to safe, stable homes.”

Kauaʻi faces a significant shortage of both rental and for-sale housing, impacting kūpuna, multigenerational families and working residents alike. This project responds by combining nonprofit leadership, philanthropic support, and innovative affordability tools to address housing needs in a way that is both practical and sustainable.

“We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration, which will help Kauaʻi families live, work, and thrive in their home community, said Xan Avendaño, the Foundation’s program director for Hawaiʻi grantmaking. “We hope other landowners will be inspired to explore ways to support housing in Hawaiʻi that is affordable for generations.”

The partners will continue pre-development planning, community engagement and coordination with County agencies as the project moves forward. Additional details, including timelines and opportunities for public input, will be shared as planning progresses.