DHHL's Native Hawaiian housing project in Central Maui gains momentum

WAILUKU, Hawaii (Island News) -- A housing project in Central Maui is making headway as the island suffers a housing shortage exacerbated by the August wildfires.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) plans to build 173 homes, as well as offer 31 vacant improved lots, along Kuikahi Drive in Wailuku.

There are currently 4,000 beneficiaries on DHHL's residential waitlist for Maui.

"It's an exciting time, we want to get that waitlist down...but more importantly, it addresses the needs of that particular community with the hardships they've gonethrough," DHHL Director Kali Watson said.

Named the Wailuku Single Family Residential subdivision, the 77-acre project isamong several others the department is churning out on the Valley Isle. Constructionbegan on another one right next to it, called Pu'uhona, which will include about 160single family homes.

DHHL is also working to build about 180 single family homes at Leiali’i in Lahaina.

"That particular project is a priority for us, especially with the fire," Watson added. "So we want to put emphasis on that particular location, we committed about $68 million for that one."

The Wailuku subdivision is the third in line for the department’s nearly $300-million effort to whittle down its waitlist.

An environmental review of the project indicated the development would not significantly impact the area.

Community members have until April 8 to offer comment on the assessment. You can do so by emailing the project's consultant, G70, at wailukusfr@g70.design.