Lanakila housing redevelopment continues

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority is demolishing old Lanakila housing units in Hilo as part of a redevelopment project.

The state Legislature in 2013 allocated $7.5 million to redevelop the 62 low-income housing units on Kapiolani Street, first built in the 1960s. They were closed more than 10 years ago.

Demolition of the structures began this summer. It was delayed because of the discovery of arsenic in the soil.

According to a state housing planner, the contaminants will be capped with 2 feet of soil. That could take about a year to complete.

The funds will cover redevelopment of at least 15 units. More funds will be needed to complete additional phases.