By Staff Reports
(Kauai) – The Kaua‘i County Housing Agency held a blessing ceremony on Tuesday for the Lima
Ola Supportive Housing Project in ‘Ele‘ele.
“When we broke ground for Lima Ola Phase One in 2020, all we could physically see on this
entire 75-acre site was a lot of tall grass and red dirt,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Yet, we knew
that one day we would see a place for our keiki to grow up, a place for our kupuna to thrive, a place for
those struggling to find help, and a place for so many to finally call home. Today, we are one step closer
to seeing that dream become a reality. As housing continues to be a critical need throughout our island,
we celebrate this huge leap forward today, and thank all involved for your hard work and continued
efforts which offer hope to our people.”
Tuesday’s ceremony commemorated the start of construction for the Lima Ola Supportive
Housing Project, which is modeled after the existing Kealaula Supportive Housing Project located on Pua
Loke Street in Līhu‘e.
The blessing was officiated by cultural practitioner Aletha Kaohi, and attended by about 50
individuals, including Governor Josh Green, M.D., Senate President Ronald Kouchi, members of the
Kaua‘i County Council, and Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Interim
Executive Director Dean Minakami.“Addressing homelessness and creating more affordable housing in Hawai‘i takes compassion, leadership, and united action from all aspects and organizations,” said Governor Green. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our state and Kaua‘i county agencies, and partners for your dedication and hard work which brings us here today, commemorating the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project.”
The supportive housing model is intended to provide low-cost rental housing to Kaua‘i residents
experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Under this model,
tenants receive on-site social services to assist them in getting back on their feet and prepare them to
move to more permanent housing. While tenancy in supportive housing is not intended to be
permanent, it also is not strictly time limited as are traditional, transitional housing models.
A total of 24 units, studio and one-bedroom, will be built with square footage ranging from 240
to 400 square feet. The project will also include a community building that will include offices, a
reception area, and laundry facilities.
A combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and State and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRF),
Home-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds, and county Housing Development funds were utilized
for the design and build of this project. The total cost of the Lima Ola Supportive Housing Project
amounts to $4.37 million.
Shioi Construction is the contractor for this project which is anticipated to complete during the
first quarter of 2024.
“We are grateful to our Housing Agency staff, Shioi Construction, HHFDC, all state and county
partners, and especially our west side community for your continued commitment to creating affordable
housing opportunities here on Kaua‘i,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi. “The supportive housing
model has been a great success in Līhu‘e, and we are now excited to see this project develop and thrive
here in West Kaua‘i.”