By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – The City and County of Honolulu has selected nonprofit developer Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation (Pacific Housing) as its preferred negotiating partner to develop affordable housing at 130 South Beretania Street — the state’s first disability-forward workforce housing community — helping to further revitalize downtown Honolulu.
The 30,376-square-foot parcel, bordered by Pali Highway, South Beretania Street, and Fort Street, offers a prime, transit-oriented location within walking distance of offices, shops, and essential services. The site also provides easy access to major bus routes and the planned Kuloloia Station (Station #14 – Downtown) on the Skyline rail line, scheduled to open in 2031.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi praised the partnership, calling it a milestone for O‘ahu’s affordable housing goals. “This project reflects our City’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate development,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “Everyone deserves a place to call home — one that supports their dignity, independence, and ability to thrive. We are proud to partner with Pacific Housing and Lanakila Pacific that share our vision for a more equitable and accessible Honolulu.”
Pacific Housing was chosen through a competitive evaluation process following Request for Qualifications (RFQ-DLM-25-01) issued in January 2025, which sought innovative proposals for four under-utilized City-owned properties in urban Honolulu. The City has entered into exclusive negotiations with Pacific Housing to finalize a development agreement and ground lease for the Beretania Street site.
“This was a highly competitive process, and we want to thank all applicants for their thoughtful proposals,” said Kevin D. Auger, director-designate of the Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM). “The proposal submitted by Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation, in collaboration with Lanakila Pacific, demonstrated a strong commitment to build responsibly and respectfully, while enhancing public safety and revitalizing this area. We look forward to working with Pacific Housing, Lanakila Pacific, and the community to shape a vision that reflects the unique character of this location.”
Founded in 1980, Pacific Housing is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The organization has developed or is developing 62 affordable housing communities statewide for families, seniors, and persons with disabilities, and currently manages 15 affordable developments across Hawaiʻi.
Lanakila Pacific, celebrating 85 years of service in 2024, joins as co-developer. Its mission is to build independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and kūpuna while fostering inclusive, empowering communities.
Together, Pacific Housing and Lanakila Pacific plan to create a truly inclusive housing community on City land, designed to promote accessibility, independence, and connection. The project unites Pacific Housing’s affordable-housing expertise with Lanakila Pacific’s long-standing experience serving individuals with disabilities.
“Listening is key,” said Audrey Awaya, executive director of Pacific Housing. “We recognize that each community is unique and has different needs and concerns. Our role is to help address those concerns so that the project can be a source of pride. We’re eager to partner with the community, Lanakila Pacific, and the City to fill a critical need for inclusive, affordable workforce housing for those striving to live independently.”
The community engagement process is already underway. Pacific Housing and Lanakila Pacific hosted an initial community listening session on October 21, 2025, attended by more than 50 residents, businesses, and stakeholders. A follow-up meeting will be held November 12, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Andrew (Von Holt Room).
Input from these sessions, along with a forthcoming public hearing before the Honolulu City Council, will help shape the project’s final design and scope. For more information about this project, visit www.130sberetania.org
To learn more about the City’s approach to affordable housing, visit www.honolulu.gov/dhlm/citylands