KAHULUI, HAWAII — The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. (HHFDC) has selected EAH Housing to develop the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex in Kahului, on the island of Maui. The property will include a transit hub, civic center and 303 units of affordable housing.
The Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex will be constructed in phases as part of a public-private partnership. EAH Housing will coordinate the development of the civic center with the State of Hawaii Department of Accounting and General Services, the transit hub with the County of Maui and the affordable housing with HHFDC.
Development costs are estimated at $193 million for both phases of the project. Financing sources include 4 percent Low Income Housing Tax credits (LIHTC); Hula Mae Multi-Family Tax Exempt Bonds; State of Hawaii Rental Housing Revolving Funds (RHRF); and Dwelling Unit Revolving Funds (DURF).
According to EAH Housing, the project is designed to address a critical need for affordable housing on Maui. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that nearly one-quarter of rental households in Hawaii report incomes at or below the national poverty guidelines. The state faces a deficit of more than 27,000 affordable housing units.
“As we continually work to find innovative solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii, commitments to developing housing for our most vulnerable residents are sorely needed and warmly welcomed,” says Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
At full build-out, the Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex will be one of Maui’s largest affordable housing communities, according to EAH.
The Kahului Civic Center Mixed-Use Complex will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will be available for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income. Each unit will offer a kitchen with energy-efficient appliances, internet and cable availability, ceiling fans and large windows for natural lighting and ventilation.
Each of the two residential buildings will feature a fitness room, laundry facilities, community rooms for social and educational events and an outdoor recreation deck. The property will also offer tenants a range of transportation options, include 320 parking stalls, paved pedestrian paths and proximity to public transportation through the neighboring transit hub.
EAH Housing plans to break ground on the development in 2027, with the first phase slated for completion by 2029.
— Channing Hamilton