Weekly Real Estate News
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands signed an agreement October 23 to pursue housing in Honolulu’s Kakaʻako Makai district, where residential development has faced longstanding legal restrictions.
Hawaii News Now reported that the agencies envision a preliminary 400-home development for eligible Native Hawaiian families, potentially in towers reaching 200 feet.
Development proposal faces additional hurdles
OHA owns nine parcels totaling approximately 29 acres in the waterfront district. The agencies are exploring how DHHL’s separate legal authority could provide a route to housing on land where state restrictions otherwise prohibit residential uses.
Agency leaders also discussed cultural, commercial and other possible uses for the broader site. Nearby residents and some officials have raised concerns about environmental conditions and the suitability of the property for housing.
The agreement does not constitute final project approval. Financing, environmental reviews, land arrangements, authorizations and construction timing remain unresolved. The 400-home figure is a preliminary concept.
