October 14, 2025, 3:00 AM HST <\/p>\n
The County of Hawai\u2018i Office of Housing and Community Development will host a community meeting on Oct. 23 to share information and gather feedback on the proposed \u02bb\u0100inak\u014d\u202fSubdivision Housing Project in Hilo.<\/p>\n
The open house-style meeting, which will feature project display boards and opportunities to ask questions, will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Aupuni Center Conference Room at 101 Pauahi St. in Hilo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe invite residents to join us, connect with our team, and share their thoughts on this housing initiative,\u201d said Hawai\u2018i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. \u201cBy working together, we can expand affordable housing opportunities for local families and strengthen our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u02bb\u0100inak\u014d\u202fSubdivision Housing Project proposes a mix of affordable single-family and multi-family homes on a 60.59-acre County-owned parcel near the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. It is planned in two phases to provide up to 144 new workforce housing units to support area residents.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOur goal at the Office of Housing and Community Development is to determine the viability of housing development in communities across our island based on a delicate balance of resources, infrastructure and existing community receptivity,\u201d said County Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa. \u201cWe want our work to be informed and shaped by the present community and also by those looking to address our community\u2019s future housing needs, particularly with housing that is affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n
A draft Environmental Assessment for the project was published in The Environmental Notice on Oct. 8, kicking off a 30-day public comment period that runs through Nov. 7.<\/p>\n
Community members are encouraged to review the draft EA and attend the Oct. 23 meeting to share input and ask questions.<\/p>\n
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The draft EA is available online at https:\/\/files.hawaii.gov\/dbedt\/erp\/Doc_Library\/2025-10-08-HA-DEA-Ainako-Subdivision-Housing-Project.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n The OHCD has also established a web page to keep the community updated on the project at https:\/\/www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov\/development-preservation\/county-development-projects\/ainako<\/a>.\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n