By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– A new chapter began in ʻĀiea today as community leaders, partners, and residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Aloha Iā Halewilikō, a 140-unit affordable rental community for kūpuna located at 99-385 Pōhai Place next to the ʻĀiea Public Library. The ceremony featured a Hawaiian blessing and dedication by Kahu Kordell Kekoa, honoring the transformation of the former ʻĀiea Sugar Mill site into a place where older adults can age in place with dignity, stability, and connection.
Situated on 3.45 acres of City-owned land, Aloha Iā Halewilikō delivers 83 studio apartments and 56 one-bedroom units for residents age 62 and older earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income (AMI). The City and County of Honolulu contributed $6 million from its Affordable Housing Fund to support the project, which requires long-term affordability of at least 60 years.
Developed by EAH Housing, the three-story community includes landscaped walking paths and gardens, a dog park, fitness and activity spaces, a covered lanai, resident lounges, and on-site services. Through a partnership with Lanakila Pacific, residents will also receive congregate meals, wellness programming, and social activities that promote healthy, independent living.
Speakers reflected the strong collaboration behind the project, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Scott Glenn on behalf of Governor Josh Green, William Spencer of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, representatives from financing partners, community leaders, and a future resident. Together, they emphasized the importance of ensuring Oʻahu’s kūpuna have safe, affordable homes close to family, services, and the communities they helped build — turning a once-vacant parcel into a lasting investment in Hawaiʻi’s future.