DHHL awards 24 units at Villages of La‘i ‘Opua

Twenty-four rental units at the Villages of La‘i ‘Opua in Kealakehe were awarded last week by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

The development at La‘i ‘Opua Village 4 ‘Akau is a rent-with-option-to-purchase program community, aimed towards serving beneficiaries that meet the area median income guidelines set forth by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This project allows beneficiaries to have affordable, controlled rent with the option to purchase after 15 years, according to the DHHL.

“We’re very excited about La‘i ‘Opua and addressing the affordable housing needs of our people on the wait list,” DHHL Director Kali Watson said in a statement. “The rent-with-option-to-purchase really makes sense. Based on the people we have on our wait list, we have a variety of different individuals with different incomes. This particular model allows lower-income people to get the benefit of a house right up front, rather than being denied because they don’t qualify for a turnkey large mortgage.”

Consisting of four developments, the Villages of La‘i ‘Opua will house more than 580 beneficiaries and their families.

“I’m excited to be a part and have it for my kids and I and my grandkids to come,” said DHHL beneficiary Faith Spinney. “I’m hoping to do some vegetable gardening on the front side and some kind of hydroponics on the back side in hopes to, not just for myself, to help the community.”

Affordable housing developer Ikaika ‘Ohana began construction on Village 4 ‘Akau homes in early 2020. The properties will be managed by ThirtyOne 50 Management.

Renters will begin moving into their homes in two phases from now until October.

Tenants will receive home ownership education and support throughout the rental period. After the 15 years, the tenant may exercise the right to purchase the home and enter into a 99-year lease with the DHHL.

Rent paid during the 15-year rental period will not be applied to the purchase price of the home.