HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Annual Action Plan FINAL with MAPS 3.24.23 Annual Action Plan
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Annual Action Plan
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Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The County of Hawaii is required to submit a Five-Year Consolidated Plan (CP) to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to receive its Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. The purpose of the County’s 2020-2024 CP is to ensure that jurisdictions receiving direct
federal assistance utilize and develop a plan for its housing and related needs of very low-, low-, and
moderate-income families in a way that improves the availability and affordability of decent, safe and
sanitary housing within a suitable living environment. The County’s 2020-2024 CP has three major
sections: Housing & Special Needs Housing; Homeless; and Community Development.
The County’s CP provides goals, priorities, needs, and data used to develop the plan for how the County
intends to administer the HUD CDBG Program along with its allocation from the State of Hawaii for the
HOME Investment Partnership, HOME American Rescue Plan, and National Housing Trust Fund
Programs.
The State of Hawaii’s CP provides background, direction, and a plan for how the State intends to
administer HUD’s Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), HOME-American Rescue Plan
(HOME-ARP), National Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Emergency Solution Grant (ESG), and Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs to assist in meeting the housing needs of
Hawaii’s citizens. HOME and HTF funds are allocated between three neighbor-island counties on a
three-year rotation and HOME-ARP is a one-time funding allocation from the American Rescue Act of
2021.
The County’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) reviewed the 2019 Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing which focused on two primary impediments:
Agency staff knowledge of fair housing law
The degree to which agency policies and procedures (legal, regulatory, and administrative) align
with fair housing law and affirmatively promote equal access to housing for all Hawaii residents.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
The County of Hawaii's 2023 CDBG allocation is $2,680,506.00. In addition, the County anticipates
receiving $100,000.00 of program income from the Residential Repair Program (RRP) for a total of
$2,780,506.00. The anticipated program income will be applied to the Administration, Planning, and
Fair Housing account.
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To meet the County's five-year 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, Priorities and Objectives, the following
projects will be included in the 2023 Action Plan.
2023 CDBG Projects
West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2 Improvements - $252,615.00
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council – Certified Kitchen Conversion - $580,001.00
Hamakua Youth Community Center Phase 2 Improvements - $650,000.00
Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2 Improvements - $162,000.00
Mental Health Kokua – Hilo Hale Residence Improvements - $175,000.00
Kau and Puna Volunteer Fire Station Brush Truck Acquisition - $370,000.00
Mental Health Kokua – Van Transportation Acquisition - $74,000.00
Administration, Planning and Fair Housing - $416,890.00 plus $100,000 anticipated Program Income
The CDBG project amount for all projects may change to accommodate the actual amount of grant
funds or program income received or if there are any cancelled project(s) or reprogramming of CDBG
funds. In its efforts to expedite and timely implement its projects, the Public is advised that the County
of Hawaii may utilize County funds to incur pre-award cost for the Kau and Puna Volunteer Fire Station
Brush Truck Acquisition project under the CDBG program. This is in accordance with the CDBG
regulations 24 CFR 570.200 (h) (1), Reimbursement for pre-award costs.
The 2023 CDBG projects meet the Objectives and Outcomes which are identified in the County’s 2020-
2024 Consolidated Plan. The public facility improvement projects meet the suitable living environment
objective by renovating and rehabilitating the West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter, Hale Ohana
Domestic Abuse Shelter, Mental Health Kokua Hilo Hale residence, the Hamakua Youth Community
Center, the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council Certified Kitchen, and the Kau and Puna
Volunteer Fire Station Brush Truck Acquisition project. The Mental Health Kokua Van Transportation
Acquisition project meets the suitable living environment objective as a public service project.
HOME AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to help communities provide housing,
shelter, and services for people experiencing homelessness and other qualifying populations. Under
HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), the State of
Hawaii, through its Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) of the Department
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of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, is eligible to receive $6,413,733 in HOME-ARP funds
to address homeless needs through the creation of affordable housing or non-congregate shelter units
and by providing tenant-based rental assistance or supportive services.
To receive the HOME-ARP funds, HHFDC and the County engaged in the consultation and public
participation process to develop a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The Allocation Plan describes the
distribution of funds, the use of the HOME-ARP funds and how the funds will address the needs of
HOME-ARP qualifying populations. HHFDC informed the County on its one-time funding allocation of
$1,977,568.00.
Under HOME-ARP, qualifying populations include:
Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations;
Those currently housed at risk of homelessness;
Those fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking,
or human trafficking;
Other populations: (1) requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness, and (2)
those at greatest risk of housing instability;
Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet one of the preceding
criteria.
Eligible activity under the State of Hawaii’s, HHFDC’s HUD-approved HOME-ARP Allocation Plan:
The production or preservation of affordable rental housing.
For PY2023, there were no eligible HOME-ARP project applications received. The County will distribute
the HOME-ARP funds through another Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
3. Evaluation of past performance
Each year, the County of Hawaii reports its progress in meeting the five-year and annual goals in the
Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The County of Hawaii has consistently
satisfied program mandates and expended funds in a timely manner. Furthermore, the County of
Hawaii has successfully targeted funds to benefit low- and moderate-income persons and communities
throughout the island. A copy of the CAPER is available in the County of Hawaii OHCD and on the
County's website at http://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov. The report states that the County has
accomplished the following during the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022:
HOUSING AND SPECIAL NEEDS:
Provided rental assistance to 87 households through its Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
program;
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Completed the sewer line connection and finalizing kitchen and bathroom improvements at
three special needs residential facilities in Kailua-Kona;
Started the design and procurement for interior and exterior renovations at two domestic abuse
shelters in Hilo and Kona;
Started construction on two Habitat for Humanities self-help homes in the Puna area;
Completed improvements for accessible bathrooms and kitchen areas for 3 residential homes in
Kona to provide continue housing for persons with special needs;
Started the process to procure for the 2023 Hawaii Housing Planning Study in partnership with
the State and other County agencies.
HOMELESS:
Completed the renovation of a certified kitchen at the Kiheipua Family Shelter;
Completed the parking lot and interior and exterior accessibility improvements at the Hale
Maluhia Shelter;
Started improvements at the West Hawaii Emergency Shelter including roof repairs and
installation of a fire sprinkler system, solar hot water heaters, water cooler, ceiling fans and
parking lot lighting.
Project Vision was able to hire outreach workers, a mobile manager, equipment purchase, and
the necessary supplies to provide mobile health and hygiene services including hot showers,
wound care, hygiene kits and referrals to supportive services to 2,649 homeless individuals in
Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Pahoa.
PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS:
Completed the installation of new breaker boxes and metering at the Kulaimano Elderly Housing
project;
Completed the design for improvements to the Ulu Wini Low Income Housing project for the
expansion and installation of hot water heaters in their community laundry facility and
renovations for a certified kitchen.
Provided funding for the design and construction to repair the wastewater treatment plant at
the Ulu Wini Low Income Housing project;
Provided funding for the design and construction to expand a laundry room facility and
renovation modifications for a certified kitchen at the Ulu Wini Low Income Housing Community
Center
PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY:
Allocated $3,599,175 of CDBG-CV1, 2 and 3 funds to various non-profits and government
agencies for activities that prevent, prepare and respond to the Coronavirus.
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Completed several emergency food programs providing food and prepared meals to low- and
moderate-income households impact by the Coronavirus through the Food Basket Pandemic
Emergency Food program, the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island Meal Preparation and
Delivery, and the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council Meal Preparation and Delivery
projects.
Acquired equipment necessary for the Food Basket’s emergency food distribution program
allowing them to feed over 42,000 families with food insecurities due to Covid;
Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island delivered new services including childcare, academic
support, homework technology, youth resource transportation and daily nutritional
supplementation for homeless families and low-income households residing in low income tract
communities.
FAIR HOUSING:
Conducted 347 Fair Housing training sessions for staff, Section 8 renters, landlords, property
managers, homeless service providers, and for the general public;
Conducted one Fair Housing training for renters with limited-English proficiency with a
Marshallese language translator;
Partnered with the State and other Counties to provide a 4-part state-wide virtual training series
for 700 participants, 125 of which were from the Big Island. This series included lessons from
panelists including the Hawaii Lead Civil Rights Analyst with HUD, the Deputy Executive Director
of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, numerous attorneys for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, a
Fair Housing Consultant, a professor in Affordable Housing, Economics, Policy and Planning, the
ACLU Director of Public Policy and a Civil Rights Attorney;
Assisted 46 people with Fair Housing inquiries via phone, email or in person.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process
The County is required to have a Citizen Participation Plan in its CP. This plan describes and outlines the
County’s plan to encourage and inform all citizens, especially persons of extremely-low, very-low and
moderate income including minorities, non-English speaking and persons of Limited English Proficiency
(LEP), as well as persons with mobility, visual or hearing impediments, to participate in the development
of the County’s CP, along with any amendments to the CP, and the County’s performance report.
The citizen participation process as outlined in the Citizen Participation Plan includes public hearings,
virtual public hearings, consultation meetings, 30-day review and comment period on the County’s draft
CP, County's draft Annual Action Plan (AP), Hawaii County Housing Agency/Finance Committee
Meetings/County Council Meetings and a public notice announcing the availability of the County’s final
CP and AP.
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Public Hearings:
The County began its 2023 Annual Action Plan Citizen Participation Process with virtual hearings in
August 2022. The County held two public hearings (one virtual and one in-person) with the State of
Hawaii to present an overview of the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan process, to encourage citizens
to offer input concerning housing, homeless, special needs and community development needs and to
discuss the past use of funds and accomplishments. In addition, the members of the public were
provided with information about the 2023 CDBG application process. The County and the State
informed participants of the County’s and State CP priorities and provided an opportunity for
participants to provide their concerns or comments.
The draft 2023 Action Plan was made available for public review and comment from February 6, 2023
through March 8, 2023.
Public and Private Agencies Consultation Meetings:
As stated above, in August 2022, the County conducted Public Hearings to inform the public about the
2023 CDBG application process. Members of the public were provided with information on the CDBG
program. An overview of the draft priorities and goals were also presented. The participants were
asked to provide input on the county’s draft priorities and goals established as a result of community
input at the various public hearings. Comments received include the need for Federal Recovery Housing
Program funds, prioritizing those justice-involved individuals experiencing homelessness, updating and
incorporating some of the findings of the Strategic Roadmap to Homelessness into the current
Consolidated Plan, prioritizing the rehabilitation assistance of owner-occupied residential homes, and
considering innovative ideas like converting old buses into tiny homes to address homelessness.
In addition to these consultations, the OHCD also informed each Council Member representing all
districts in the County of Hawaii of the CP process and inquired if they had any projects that would meet
the draft priorities within their district.
5. Summary of public comments
This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen
Participation section of the Con Plan.
The draft 2023 Annual Action Plan was available for public view and comments from February 6, 2023
through March 8, 2023. No comments to the 2023 Annual Action Plan were received.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
No comments were received.
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7. Summary
The CP is a comprehensive planning document which identifies the housing and community
development needs and priorities for the County of Hawaii for the next five years. It sets forth the
County’s strategies and objectives in addressing these needs and provides a framework for the Annual
Action Plan, which details the specific projects and activities the county will undertake in each of the five
years to carry out the CP.
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant
program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator HAWAII COUNTY Office of Housing & Community Development
HOME Administrator HAWAII COUNTY Office of Housing & Community Development
HTF Administrator HAWAII COUNTY Office of Housing & Community Development
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative (optional)
The County of Hawaii’s OHCD manages and administers the use of the CDBG Program funds for the County. As the lead agency and direct
recipient of CDBG funds, the OHCD is responsible to complete the planning and submission process for the County’s CP.
The State of Hawaii is the recipient of the HOME, HTF, ESG, and HOPWA funds and is therefore, required to submit a CP to HUD before it can
receive these program funds. The County is not required to address the State’s programs in its CP but will reference and include portions of the
State’s CP as it relates to the County’s housing-related and homeless needs.
Although the County of Hawaii is not a direct recipient of HOME and HTF funds, it does receive HOME and HTF funds from the State of Hawaii,
every three years. The County’s OHCD manages and administers the use of HOME and HTF program funds for the County and is anticipating the
receipt of these program funds for 2024.
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Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development
Susan Kunz
1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 102
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone Number: (808) 961-8379
Fax Number: (808) 961-8685
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AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
The County began its 2023 Annual Action Plan Citizen Participation Process in August of 2022. The
County held its annual public hearings to present an overview of the Consolidated Plan process, to
encourage citizens to offer input concerning housing, homeless, special needs and community
development needs, and to discuss the past use of funds and accomplishments. In addition, the
members of the public were provided with information about the 2023 CDBG application process. The
County informed participants of the County’s CP priorities and provided an opportunity for participants
to provide their concerns or comments.
Hawaii County also utilized the public hearings to inform the public on the current 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan and Action Plan process.
The draft 2023 Annual Action Plan was made available for public review and comment from February 6,
2023 through March 8, 2023. There were no comments received.
The OHCD also informed County agencies and each Council Member representing all districts in the
County of Hawaii of the CP process and inquired if they had any projects that would meet the draft
priorities within their district.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(l))
In August 2022, the County conducted Public Hearings to inform the public about the 2023 CDBG
application process. Members of the public were provided with information on the CDBG program. An
overview of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan priorities and goals were also presented and
reviewed. The participants were asked to provide input on the county’s current priorities and goals
established as a result of community input at the various public hearings and consultations of the 2020-
2024 Consolidated Plan. In addition to these public hearings, the OHCD also informed each Council
Member representing all districts in the County of Hawaii of the CP process and provided them with an
opportunity to inform the County of any projects that would meet priorities within their district.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
The State of Hawaii is the primary agency that provides homeless funds to homeless service
providers. The County actively participates in the Bridging the Gap (neighbor island counties) and
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Statewide (consisting of the State and Bridging the Gap) Continuum of Care. These groups focus on
approaches to ending homelessness. The County is also a component of the Interagency Council on
Homelessness - a conglomerate of government and service providers that seek solutions to address
statewide chronic homelessness through mainstream re-programming. Participation in the Continuum
of Care also allows the County to acquire other HUD funds for activities that address homeless needs
within the County. The County will continue to participate in all levels of collaboration in a proactive
effort to address the needs to its homeless community.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate
outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and
procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
The County of Hawaii is not a recipient of Emergency Solution Grant Funds. The State of Hawaii
allocates these funds to eligible homeless providers.
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2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s
consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 Agency/Group/Organization HAWAII COUNTY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-homeless
Services-Education
Service-Fair Housing
Other government - State
Other government - County
Services - Justice-involved
What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Strategy
Homelessness Needs - Justice-involved
Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was
consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved coordination?
A list of not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and others
who provided input at the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan hearings and
Needs Survey are listed in Section PR-10 Consultation of the 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan.
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Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
The County utilized a mail list from its previous Consolidated Plans which is continuously updated through participation, meetings, trainings, etc.
to contact as many providers and government agencies to ensure proper consultation. The County does not preclude or exclude any public or
private agencies participation.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?
Continuum of Care Bridging the Gap The State is writing the goals to the State's Strategic Plan, please refer to the
State's Consolidated Plan.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Narrative (optional)
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AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
The County began its 2023 Action Plan Citizen Participation Process in August of 2022. The County held its annual public hearings to present an
overview of the Consolidated Plan process, to encourage citizens to offer input concerning housing, homeless, special needs and community
development needs, and to discuss the past use of funds and accomplishments. In addition, the members of the public were provided with
information about the 2023 CDBG application process. The County informed participants of the County’s CP priorities and provided an
opportunity for participants to provide their concerns or comments.
The draft 2023 Annual Action Plan was made available for public review and comment from February 6, 2023 through March 8, 2023.
The OHCD also informed County agencies and each Council Member representing all districts in the County of Hawaii of the Consolidated Plan
process and inquired if they had any projects that would meet the draft priorities within their district.
The following schedule and task were utilized to inform citizens of the Consolidated Plan and/or Annual Action Plan and its process.
DATE and TASK:
July 2022 - Informed and invited Administration, County Departments and Council Members on the start of the 2023 Annual Action Plan (AP)
process and solicited comments or possible projects to meet objectives with the current priorities within the Consolidated Plan.
August 2022 - Public Notices published announcing public hearings which were held in conjunction with the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Housing
Finance Development Corp. (HHFDC), to inform the public about the 2023 CDBG application process.
January 2023 - Prepared draft Action Plan.
February 2023 - Published public notice announcing the Action Plan availability for public review and comment.
February to March 2023 - Action Plan available for public review and comment.
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April 2023 - Draft Action Plan will be submitted to Hawaii County Housing Agency, Finance Committee and Hawaii County Council for review and
approval for submittal to HUD. Public Notice informs citizen of the meetings and comments.
Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/attendance
Summary of
comments received
Summary of c
omments not
accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applica
ble)
1
Public Meetings
(1 virtual and 1
in-person)
Non-
targeted/broad
community
The County utilized input from
its virtual public hearings and
meetings to access and review
its priorities and set objectives
and goals that will meet the
needs of its citizens. The
County's assessment was to
ensure that the County's
priorities were flexible and
accommodating to meet
various range of activities to
meet the County's CP
priorities.
Overall, there were 44
participants at the two hearings,
representing not-for-profit service
providers, housing services
providers, developers, and county
and state agencies. Comments
include the need for Federal
Recovery Housing Program funds
to prioritize those justice-involved
individuals experiencing
homelessness, updating and
incorporating the findings of the
Strategic Roadmap to
Homelessness into the current
Consolidated Plan, prioritizing the
rehabilitation assistance of owner-
occupied residential homes, and
considering innovative ideas like
converting old buses into tiny
homes to address homelessness.
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/attendance
Summary of
comments received
Summary of c
omments not
accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applica
ble)
2 Public Meeting
Non-
targeted/broad
community
The OHCD also informed the
County of Hawai`i's Council
Members of the Consolidated
Plan Process, meetings and
provided them with the
opportunity to inform the
County of any projects that
would meet the priorities
within their district.
No comments were submitted.
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The County of Hawai`i Office of Housing and Community Development is a direct recipient of CDBG funds. Its annual allocation is determined by
HUD on a formula basis and is directly affected by the federal budget. The County anticipates receiving approximately $2.6 million and
distributes these funds on a request for proposal basis.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 2,680,506 100,000 0 2,780,506 0
With the ever changing political and
economical environment at the
federal level, it is difficult to accurately
project the amount of CDBG funds
that the County will receive over the
2020-2024 Consolidated Plan period.
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Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation: $
Program
Income: $
Prior Year
Resources: $
Total:
$
HOME public -
federal
Acquisition
Homebuyer
assistance
Homeowner
rehab
Multifamily
rental new
construction
Multifamily
rental rehab
New
construction for
ownership
TBRA 0 0 0 0 0
Housing
Trust
Fund
public -
federal
Housing
0 0 0 0 0
Other public -
state
Other
350,000 0 0 350,000 0
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
There is no matching requirement for CDBG funds.
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If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
County owned land has been used in the past, and will be used in the future, to develop affordable
housing projects for the low- and moderate-income households throughout the County of
Hawaii. Usually, a long-term lease (55 years) is executed with the non-profit organization for a nominal
annual lease amount. It is stated in the lease that the non-profit organization must keep the project
affordable to low- and moderate-income households for the duration of the lease.
The County of Hawaii's Kamakoa Nui Community Housing project located in Waikoloa, is designed to
provide workforce housing for low- and moderate- income persons. The first phase included the sale of
91, fee simple single family and bungalow style units. The County has contracted with a developer for
the next phase of multi-family rental housing. Na Hale Makoa is finalizing the design process and expects
to start construction on 139 rental units targeting families in the 30% to 140% AMI range.
The County-owned Kukuiola project will provide a homeless assessment center, 16 emergency shelter
beds and 48 permanent housing units for individuals at or below 30% AMI. The project has begun
construction and expected to be completed in phases over the next few years.
The Hale Na Koa O Hanakahi Housing project is a 92-unit rental housing project on state property for
extremely low, very low, and low- and moderate-income elderly households with preference for
veterans and their spouses. The project is currently under construction.
Discussion
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Public Facilities -
Improvements
2020 2024 Non-Housing
Community
Development
County of
Hawaii
Public
Health and
Safety
Public
Facilities
CDBG:
$2,189,616
Public Facility or Infrastructure
Activities other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit: 13924
Persons Assisted
Public service activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit: 400 Persons Assisted
2 Public Service -
Transportation
2020 2024 Non-Housing
Community
Development
County of
Hawaii
Public
Services
CDBG:
$74,000
Public Facility or Infrastructure
Activities other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit: 400 Persons
Assisted
Table 6 – Goals Summary
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Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Public Facilities - Improvements
Goal
Description
CDBG funds will be utilized for continued improvements to the West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter, the Hale Ohana
Domestic Abuse Shelter, and the Hamakua Youth Community Center. It will also be utilized to construct a certified kitchen
at the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, and for interior and exterior renovations at Mental Health Kokua’s
Hilo Hale residential housing. Also, the County Fire Department will utilize CDBG funds to acquire two new Brush Trucks to
support fire protection and emergency operations at the Puna and Kau volunteer stations.
2 Goal Name Public Service - Transportation
Goal
Description
The non-profit Mental Health Kokua will utilize CDBG funds to acquire 2 passenger vans to provide transportation services
for persons with special needs for shopping, medication, legal and medical appointments.
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Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
For the 2023 CDBG program year, there were a total of seven (7) CDBG projects that were selected for
funding, six of which were public facility projects. These projects include improvements to two (2)
domestic abuse shelters, renovations to create a youth community center serving low- and moderate-
income households, a transitional residence serving those with severe mental illness, renovations for a
certified kitchen conversion, and acquisition of two fire brush trucks for volunteer fire stations serving
the low- and moderate-income areas of Puna and Kau. One project was a public service project for the
acquisition of passenger vans to provide transportation services to its low- and moderate-income
clients.
Projects
# Project Name
1 West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2 Improvements
2 Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council - Certified Kitchen Conversion
3 Hamakua Youth Community Center Phase 2 Improvements
4 Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2 Improvements
5 Mental Health Kokua - Hilo Hale Residence
6 Kau and Puna Volunteer Fire Station Brush Truck Acquisition
7 Mental Health Kokua - Van Transportation Acquisition
8 CDBG Administration, Planning and Fair Housing
Table 7 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
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AP-38 Project Summary
Project
Summary
Information1
Project Name West Hawaii Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2
Improvements
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $252,615
Description The non-profit Child and Family Services Real Property, Inc.
will utilize $252,615.00 of 2023 CDBG funds for continued
improvements to preserve the only domestic abuse shelter
in West Hawaii, which provides safe housing for victims of
domestic and family violence. These activities are eligible
under 24 CFR 570.201(c) Public Facilities and
Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
This project will benefit 120 victims of domestic violence
including families with children and are presumed under
the CDBG Program National Objective 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(i)(A) Low- and moderate-Income Limited
Clientele.
Location Description Confidential address in Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
Planned Activities The proposed improvements include but are not limited to
upgrading its aging plumbing pipes, constructing a new
bathroom addition, adding a solar photovoltaic system,
planning and designing an EPA mandated cesspool closure
and conversion, and other construction and related costs
such as permits and bid advertising.
2 Project Name Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council - Certified
Kitchen Conversion
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $580,001
Grant in Aid: $350,000
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Description The non-profit Hawaii County Economic Opportunity
Council (HCEOC) will utilize $580,001.00 of 2023 CDBG
funds to construct a certified kitchen to meet Department
of Health standards. This new facility is being leveraged
with $350,000 in State Grant in Aid funds and will be
utilized to provide food services and meals to low-income
individuals and senior citizens. HCEOC will also utilize the
kitchen for job training for low-income individuals pursuing
work in the food service industry. CDBG funds are being
leveraged with $350,000 in State of Hawaii Grant in Aid
funds. This activity is eligible under 24 CFR 570.201(c)
Public Facilities and Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
The proposed improvements will benefit 4,000 low- and
moderate-income individuals on an annual basis. This
meets the CDBG Program National Objective 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(i)(B) Low- and Moderate-Income Limited
Clientele.
Location Description 47 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Planned Activities The proposed improvements include but are not limited to
interior structural modifications, electrical and plumbing
improvements, all the necessary construction to meet the
State of Hawaii Department of Health’s certified kitchen
requirements, and other construction and related costs
such as permits and advertising.
3 Project Name Hamakua Youth Community Center Phase 2 Improvements
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $650,000
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Description The non-profit Hamakua Youth Foundation (HYF) will
utilize $650,000.00 of 2023 CDBG funds to continue the
renovation of the historic Okada Hospital in Honokaa into
a permanent Youth Center for low- and moderate-income
youths between 5 and 17 years old residing the Hamakua
District. This center will provide a facility for youths to be
mentored and tutored as well as provide a safe haven for
after school childcare. CDBG funds are being leveraged
with a USDA loan and other small public and private
grants. This activity is eligible under 24 CFR 570.201(c)
Public Facilities and Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
The proposed improvements will benefit 324 low- and
moderate-income youth on an annual basis. This meets
the CDBG Program National Objective 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(i)(B) Low- and Moderate-Income Limited
Clientele.
Location Description 45-3400 Mamane Street, Honokaa, Hawaii 96727
Planned Activities The proposed improvements include but are not limited to
civil, electric, plumbing, roof, water tank, interior, and
parking area improvements, and other construction and
related costs such as permits and advertising.
4 Project Name Hale Ohana Domestic Abuse Shelter Phase 2
Improvements
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $162,000
Description The non-profit Child and Family Services Real Property, Inc.
will utilize $162,000.00 of 2023 CDBG funds for continued
improvements to preserve the only domestic abuse shelter
in East Hawaii, which provides safe housing for victims of
domestic and family violence. These activities are eligible
under 24 CFR 570.201(c) Public Facilities and
Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
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Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
This project will benefit 240 victims of domestic violence
including families with children and are presumed under
the CDBG Program National Objective 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(i)(A) Low- and moderate-Income Limited
Clientele.
Location Description Confidential location in Hilo, Hawaii
Planned Activities The non-profit Child and Family Service Real Property will
utilize CDBG funds for continued improvements to its Hilo
Domestic Abuse Shelter to construct a new exterior
storage shelter and install security perimeter lighting.
5 Project Name Mental Health Kokua - Hilo Hale Residence
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $175,000
Description The non-profit Mental Health Kokua will utilize
$175,000.00 of 2023 CDBG funds to design and construct
interior and exterior renovations at its Hilo Hale
transitional residence in Hilo, which provides 8-to-16-hour
care and safe housing for 10 adults diagnosed and
assessed with severe mental illness through a licensed
behavioral professional. These activities are eligible under
24 CFR 570.201(c) Public Facilities and Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
This project will serve 10 severely mentally ill adults, who
are presumed under the CDBG Program National Objective
24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(i)(A) Low- and moderate-Income
Limited Clientele.
Location Description 208 Wainaku Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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Planned Activities The proposed improvements include but are not limited to
roof and gutter repairs, sidewalk repairs, handrails,
moisture ventilation for mold remediation, interior and
exterior painting and repairs, bathroom and kitchen
renovations, flooring, accessibility improvements, and
other construction and related costs such as permits and
bid advertising.
6 Project Name Kau and Puna Volunteer Fire Station Brush Truck
Acquisition
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $370,000
Description The County Fire Department will utilize $370,000.00 in
2023 CDBG funds for the acquisition of two brush trucks to
provide effective fire protection and immediate responses
to wildfires that standard fire engines are unable to access
in remote rural areas. These brush trucks will replace 30-
plus-year-old vehicles which require continuous
maintenance repairs that exceed budgeted amounts at
Volunteer Stations 5B in Hawaiian Acres and 11C in
Discovery Harbour. Frequent down times have prevented
adequate fire protection to certain rural low- and
moderate-income communities. The project may utilize
County funds to incur pre-award cost under the CDBG
program of up to 25% of the total CDBG grant award. This
activity is eligible under 24 CFR 570.201(c) Public Facilities
and Improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2024
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Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
The brush truck will service the areas of Kau and
Puna. The district of Kau includes Naalehu, Discovery
Harbor, Hawaiian Ocean View, and Pahala located in
Census Tract 212.02 with 59.10% low- and moderate-
income area designation and an estimated low- and
moderate-income population of 4,675 residents. The
district of Puna includes Fern Forest, Fern Acres, Hawaiian
Acres, and Eden Rock located in Census Tract 210.10 with
66.59% low- and moderate-income area designation and
an estimated low- and moderate-income population of
4,555 residents. This meets the CDBG Program National
Objective 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1) Low- and Moderate-
Income Area Benefit Activity.
Location Description Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Station 11C, Makalii
Street, Naalehu, Hawaii 96772 and
Hawaiian Acres Volunteer Fire Station 5B, 8 Road,
Kurtistown, Hawaii 96749
Planned Activities Acquisition of two brush trucks
7 Project Name Mental Health Kokua - Van Transportation Acquisition
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Service - Transportation
Needs Addressed Public Services
Funding CDBG: $74,000
Description The non-profit Mental Health Kokua will utilize $74,000.00
of 2023 CDBG funds for the acquisition of passenger vans
to provide transportation services for its clients for
shopping, medical and legal appointments. MHK has
expanded its new services by adding three new contracts
including CBCM Forensic Case Management, Assertive
Outreach and Community Integrated Services for homeless
outreach and housing services, increasing their caseload by
over 100 clients. This activity is eligible under 24 CFR
570.201(e) Public Services.
Target Date 6/30/2024
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Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
The proposed improvements will benefit 400 low- and
moderate-income individuals with severe mental illness.
This meets the CDBG Program National Objective 24 CFR
570.208(a)(2)(i)(B) Low- and Moderate-Income Limited
Clientele.
Location Description Island-wide
Planned Activities Acquisition of passenger vans
8 Project Name CDBG Administration, Planning and Fair Housing
Target Area County of Hawaii
Goals Supported Public Facilities - Improvements
Public Service - Transportation
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Public Services
Funding CDBG: $516,890
Description CDBG funds ($416,890.00 + $100,000.00 in anticipated
program income) will be used to administer and
coordinate the County CDBG and Fair Housing Programs to
ensure effective and timely project implementation in
accordance with all applicable HUD rules and regulations.
CDBG funds will also be used to fund present and future
planning documents in accordance with federal rules.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the
number and type of
families that will
benefit from the
proposed activities
Location Description 1990 Kinoole St, Ste 102, Hilo HI 96720
Planned Activities Planning and Administration
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and
minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
The County does not allocate funds based on geographic areas. The CDBG funds are allocated though a
Request For Proposal (RFP) process which ranks and rates projects for program eligibility, need and
meeting the County's priorities and objectives of the Consolidated Plan.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
County of Hawaii 100
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
Not applicable as the County does not allocate funds based on geographic areas.
Discussion
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Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
The County selected 7 CDBG projects for funding in its 2023 Action Plan. It consists of four (6) public
facility projects, which include improvements to 2 domestic abuse shelters in Hilo and Kona serving
victims of domestic violence, improvements to 1 transitional residence in Hilo serving adults with severe
mental illnesses, improvements to the Hamakua Youth Community Center serving low- and moderate-
income families, construction of a certified kitchen for meal preparation for low- and moderate-income
families, acquisition of passenger vans for transporting adults with severe mental illnesses, and
acquisition of two brush trucks for fire protection in rural low- and moderate-income communities.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported
Homeless 360
Non-Homeless 0
Special-Needs 10
Total 370
Table 9 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 370
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 370
Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type
Discussion
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AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
The State of Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages the public housing throughout the State of
Hawaii. Please defer to the State's Action Plan.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing
The State of Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages the public housing throughout the State of
Hawaii. Please defer to the State's Action Plan.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and
participate in homeownership
The State of Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages the public housing throughout the State of
Hawaii. Please defer to the State's Action Plan.
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be
provided or other assistance
The State of Hawaii Public Housing Authority manages the public housing throughout the State of
Hawaii. Please defer to the State's Action Plan.
Discussion
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)
Introduction
To address and serve the Homeless and Special Needs population, the County has listed within its high
priorities, the use of CDBG funds for public facilities, infrastructure, and public service activities. CDBG
funds will be utilized for rehabilitation activities at two domestic abuse shelters in Hilo and Kona
providing housing and supportive services to victims of domestic violence and at a residential facility in
Hilo providing housing and supportive services to those with serious mental illness. These activities meet
the high priorities and goals of the Consolidated Plan.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness
including
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
On August 2022, the County of Hawai’i, with input from the community advocates, individuals with lived
experience, business community partners, social and health care providers, adopted a Homeless and
Housing Strategic Roadmap. The Roadmap identified 13 priorities that will ensure that individuals who
experience homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.
A copy of the Roadmap can be found
here: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/Weblink/1/edoc/117991/2022-09-
01%20Strategic%20Roadmap%20(2).pdf
In addition, the County’s local Continuum of Care, Community Alliance Partners has developed and
posted its 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan, which can be found
here: https://communityalliancepartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CAP-2021-24-Strategic-
Plan_FINAL-5_24_21.pdf
In addition, the County’s non-profit homeless providers coordinate the annual point in time count,
which provides a data tool to understand the number of individuals and families are experiencing
homelessness.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The County works closely with the non-profit homeless providers to understand the needs and solutions
of homeless persons and families. Assessment, intake and services are part of the integral processes at
street outreach, emergency shelters, food pantries, medical providers, transitional housing, and safe
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havens to understanding the housing needs of those experiencing or are at-risk of homelessness.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The County continues to hold bi-monthly case conferencing as part of its Coordinated Entry System
(CES), ensuring eligible individuals and households are connected to appropriate resources, housing
navigation and case management services. The County also implemented a weekly case conferencing,
using the same structure as the CES, to ensure those who are eligible for or are issued an Emergency
Housing Voucher is connected to appropriate housing opportunities, resources and services.
The County has also initiated monthly “New Landlord Outreach” events and recently implement an
incentive program for property owners who sign a new lease agreement with an EHV household.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly
funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities,
foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving
assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education, or youth needs.
By having a strong networking system amongst the government agencies, non-profit community and
faith based organizations, health care providers, health care providers, foster care providers, youth and
correction facilities and community advocates is key to understanding and addressing the needs
of those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
In April 2021, the County through a non-profit provider, implemented a Coordination Center program –
which provides access for individuals and household seeking navigational assistance in connecting to
appropriate resources and services. The Coordinator Center uses a data / referral management system
to document its work.
In addition, the County has implemented an Assessment Center in both Hilo and Kona – providing
opportunities for individuals and households to connect with available resources and services.
The County is working to coordinate the work of its outreach teams to increase and maximize the
number of individuals and households who are experiencing homelessness to connect with appropriate
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services and resources.
The overarching goal is to ensure those experiencing homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.
Discussion
To provide essential services, housing resources and urgent care to unsheltered homeless individuals
and families living on the streets. The funded homeless organizations provide the direct services to
meet the immediate needs of people living on the street to stabilize and engage them in services as a
path toward accessing permanent housing. Street outreach services include engagement that provides
immediate support and links to other support networks and may include addressing immediate needs
(food, clothing, toiletries, etc); assessment and case management to understand client barriers and
identify housing options; emergency physical and mental health services; and services for special
populations including homeless youth, victim services and services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
In 2023, through local funding, the County anticipates that the number of street medicine and outreach
events will increase. In addition, the Emergency Solutions Grant, which has been managed for many
years by the State of Hawaii, will be allocated directly to the County for management. This change will
provide an opportunity for the Counties to use the funding to leverage other available funding that will
lead to increase connectivity to permanent housing.
Emergency and Transitional Housing:
The County has adopted the Housing First approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to
people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from
which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. This approach is guided by the
belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to less critical,
such as getting a job, budgeting properly, or attending to substance abuse issues. While emergency and
transitional housing is critical in addressing the immediate need of an individual or family – reducing the
number of stays is priority.
Homeless Prevention:
The goal is to provide financial assistance, counseling, and other services to prevent families and
individuals from being evicted, losing their homes, or becoming homeless.
The County used its US Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) to supportive households who
needed financial assistance to ensure housing stability.
Rapid Re-Housing:
Rapid rehousing is designed to support those who have just become homeless or are about to lose their
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homes. It provides financial assistance to bridge the gap between rent or deposit owed and a person’s
ability to pay. Rapid rehousing programs ensure that an individual or family’s homeless situation is as
brief as possible or is averted altogether.
Homeless Management Information System:
The local and state data information is managed through its Homeless Management Information System
(HMIS), a technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and
services to homeless individuals and families.
Ka Mana o Na Helu (KMNH) is the organization funded by federal and state funds to manage the HMIS
for the Counties of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai.
In 2023, the County has plans to contract with KMNH to collect and manage the data collected from
individuals and households who are provided assistance funded through the County. This partnership
will ensure non-duplicative work and ensures accurate data report from all sources of funding used to
ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring.
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
The current SMS Housing Planning Study has identified major barriers affecting the production of
affordable housing in the State of Hawaii. These impediments to create affordable housing affects not
only the State, but all four Counties as well. They have been identified as the lack of available
developable land, lack of major off-site infrastructure, high cost of construction, government
regulations, community opposition and environmental concerns.
The County is in the process of finalizing a strategic roadmap for housing development with the goal to
expand the availability and affordability of housing in Hawaii County. Strategies include a
comprehensive review and update of Hawaii County’s inclusionary zoning code, Chapter 11 to ensure
the inclusionary policy is working as effectively as possible while avoiding possible unintended impacts
or constraints on the production of market rate housing. It is also considering changes to the Zoning
Code, Chapter 25 to streamline approval processes and provide flexibility for innovative housing
concepts and density bonuses. Additional strategies include pursuing the use of County and State-
owned lands for affordable housing and the establishment of an affordable housing fund.
In June 2022, the County of Hawaii established an Affordable Housing Production program which
appropriates at least $5,000,000.00 per year for affordable housing production. For fiscal year 2022-23,
$9,000,000 has been appropriated to this fund.
In March 2022, the County of Hawaii established a Homelessness and Housing Fund which appropriates
seventy-five percent (75%) of tier two property tax revenues for the next five fiscal years toward
addressing homelessness and housing. For fiscal year 2022-23, $9,000,000 has been appropriated to this
fund.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve
as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the
return on residential investment
The County will undertake the following to try to reduce the negative effects of housing barriers and
impediments to affordable housing.
* Coordinate landlord forums and incentive programs to promote the benefits of its rental assistance
program.
* Work with Real Property Tax Division to inform landlords about the Affordable Rental Housing
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Program tax incentives.
* Educate the community on tenant/landlord roles and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.
* Represent homeless needs to State Agencies to encourage mainstream resourcing to address
homelessness.
* Support authorized pre-emption, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes 46-15 to assist in expediting
development of affordable housing projects.
* Maintain a housing website to increase housing and program information.
* Revise Hawaii County Code, Chapter 11 to promote development of affordable housing.
* Provide legislation to preserve affordable housing development and funding opportunities.
* Promote and amend the General Plan Land Use regulations to streamline housing.
* Review and update the County building code and recommend elimination or modification of onerous
codes that do not affect health and safety.
Discussion:
To build affordable homes for very low and low-income families in Hawaii is costly. The strengths of the
affordable housing delivery system in the county is derived from the many different entities striving
toward one common goal: to provide for more affordable housing in Hawaii. State, Federal and County
agencies, private non-profits, private social service providers, private lenders and private for-profit
developers are doing their part to respond to the urgency of the lack of affordable housing in the
State. New programs and legislation are continually being established to form tax incentives, low-
interest interim financing, bond financing, rental subsidies and other creative development techniques
to provide affordable housing. Despite all of these efforts, the availability of affordable housing will not
be developed without continued federal, state and local funding and private and for-profit relationships.
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AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
Listed below are the actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs, foster and
maintain affordable housing, reduce lead-based paint hazards, reduce the number of poverty-level
families, develop institutional structure, and enhance coordination between public and private housing
and social service agencies.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
One of the obstacles to meeting underserved needs is the production of affordable housing. The major
obstacles are the lack of financial resources and the lack of infrastructure. The County hopes to leverage
other sources of funds (i.e Federal, USDA, State, County and Private) by providing federal funds to
subsidize and support the cost of building affordable housing. Another obstacle is the cost burden that
the extremely low and very-low income households have to endure for housing in the County. Other
obstacles include the lack of rental units, throughout the County, for extremely low and very low-
income households. The County plans to work with management agencies, provide incentives and
educate landlords about the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and the HOME – Tenant
Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The County of Hawaii plans to foster and maintain affordable housing for County residents by investing
CDBG, HOME, and HTF funds in multiple housing projects during the 2020-2024 Consolidated Program
years. High priority affordable housing program strategies will include Rental Rehabilitation, New
Construction of Rental Units, Homeowner Repair, Acquisition of affordable units for the chronic
homeless, Construction of for-sale affordable homes, renovations to domestic abuse shelters and special
needs housing and facilities, and improvements to emergency shelters. The County also plans to utilize
the new funding sources for Affordable Housing Production and Homelessness and Housing to increase
and maintain its inventory of affordable housing.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
Hawaii County has two programs that considers the hazards of lead-based paint poisoning. One, the
Residential Repair Program, requires that lead based paint risk assessments be conducted for homes
built before 1978. If a dwelling is determined to contain lead, mitigation measures are taken to address
the lead that is present. When the lead-based paint concerns are corrected, the unit becomes available
for lead free safe occupancy, thereby, increasing access to housing without lead based paint poisoning
hazards.
The other program is the County's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Rental Assistance Payments
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Program and HOME – TBRA, which prohibits rental subsidy for any unit that is built before 1978 if there
is a family member under the age of 6 and the unit contains peeling paint. Other action/plans are to
distribute pamphlets to applicants on lead hazards and continue to test homes that were found to have
lead paint.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
According to the current Census, 14.8% of the people in Hawaii County are below the poverty level. This
is above the State's poverty level of 11.2% and is contributed by such factors as education, language and
employment in the County. The County plans to utilize HUD funds to continue administering the HOME
- Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) that targets the low and very-low income
households. This would limit the households from paying more than 30% of their income to housing
costs. Another program the County is administering is the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) that
targets the extremely low-income households. The HTF can be used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate
rental housing and rent to extremely low-income households. In rural areas the HTF law considers
households with income below poverty line as extremely low income. Administering the HTF will assist
the county in reducing the number of poverty-level families.
In addition, the County is administering the Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) program which require a one-stop shop. The one-stop concept allows a client
to access various services from a central location, which includes self-sufficiency and financial literacy
programs. The mandatory partners in the one-stop shop are: WIOA programs, Native American
programs, migrant and seasonal farm worker programs, veteran employment program, adult education,
welfare-to-work, senior community service employment programs, vocational rehabilitation services for
the blind programs, Hawaii Community College and HUD employment and training programs.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The County continues to participate in CDBG/HOME/HTF Quarterly Coordinators' Meetings which
coordinates State-wide activities and performances measures; State-wide Continuum of Care group
which meets every other month to collaborate on homeless issues; the Inter-Agency Council on
Homelessness which meets every other month to enable better access to mainstream programs and to
end chronic homelessness; HOME State Recipient Group which meets periodically to coordinate HOME
program and projects; quarterly meetings with Fair Housing Officers from the State and other Counties
and State-wide Housing Directors which meets monthly to collaborate on housing issues.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
The County continues to enhance and broaden its coordination between public and private housing and
social services agencies by expanding its social media presence, expanding its email list for newsletters,
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and updating its website to notify interested citizens and organizations of upcoming events, funding,
and on and off-site training.
Discussion:
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Reference 24 CFR 91.220(I)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the
next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 100,000
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the
year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's
strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use
has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 100,000
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that
benefit persons of low and moderate income.Overall Benefit - A consecutive period
of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall
benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate
income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
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HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is
as follows:
The County does not use any other forms of investment except those listed in Section 92.205.
2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used
for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
The County of Hawaii will recapture the total amount of HOME funds expended for a project when
the recipient fails to comply with the terms of its agreement with the County, or refuses to accept
conditions imposed by the County, HHFDC, or HUD, when the recipient sells or otherwise transfers
any real or personal property purchased or constructed with the HOME funds within the applicable
period of affordability and when the recipient ceases to use the property constructed, rehabilitated
and/or renovated with HOME funds for the applicable period of affordability, following the issuance
of final payment for the project by the County.
3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired
with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows:
The County of Hawaii requires each recipient or beneficiary to maintain all affordability
requirements through the execution of deed restrictions and lien recordation, or through the filing
of restrictive covenants running with the land.
4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is
rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that
will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
Please defer to the State of Hawaii Consolidated Plan.
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Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(5)
1. Distribution of Funds
a. Describe the eligibility requirements for recipients of HTF funds (as defined in 24 CFR § 93.2).
Please refer to Section V. – “Eligible Recipients” of the HTF Allocation Plan.
b. Describe the jurisdiction’s application requirements for eligible recipients to apply for HTF funds.
As a State designated HTF subgrantee, Hawai`i County will manage and administer the use HTF funds to
increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing to develop and
preserve affordable rental housing to primarily serve households with incomes at or below 30% of the
area median income.
Please refer to Section VII. – “Application and Award Process” of the HTF Allocation Plan.
c. Describe the selection criteria that the jurisdiction will use to select applications submitted by eligible
recipients.
Hawaii County will review and rate all project proposals in accordance with the State's Selection
Criteria. In addition, all project proposals will be reviewed using Hawaii County's Selection Criteria,
which considers additional factors.
Please refer to Section VIII. – “Selection Criteria” of the HTF Allocation Plan.
d. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on geographic distribution, which is a
description of the geographic areas of the State (including areas of low-income and minority
concentration) in which it will direct assistance during the ensuing program year.
HTF received by the County will be used to fund eligible projects to increase and preserve the supply of
decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing to primarily serve households with incomes at or below
30% of the area median income in Hawaii County.
e. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the applicant's ability to obligate HTF
funds and undertake eligible activities in a timely manner.
Criteria used to evaluate the applicants' ability to obligate HTF funds and successfully undertake eligible
activities in a timely manner includes performance goals and benchmarks, past performance and timely
expenditure requirements, previous experience in successfully implementing projects utilizing federal
funds.
Please refer to Section VIII. – “Selection Criteria” of the HTF Allocation Plan.
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f. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the extent to which rents for units in
the rental project are affordable to extremely low-income families.
A requirement of the award HTF funds are for new construction of affordable rental housing units
specifically targeting the extremely low households whose income is at or below 30% of the median
area income for the duration of at least 30 years.
g. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the financial feasibility of the project
beyond the required 30-year period.
The County requires that a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants be recorded enforce all of the HTF
program requirements including the 30-year affordability period stipulation.
Please refer to Section VIII. – “Selection Criteria” of the HTF Allocation Plan.
h. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the merits of the application in
meeting the priority housing needs of the jurisdiction (such as housing that is accessible to transit or
employment centers, housing that includes green building and sustainable development features, or
housing that serves special needs populations).
The criteria that applications for HTF funds are reviewed, ranked and rated includes location and
amenities critical to meet the needs of extreme-low and low- and moderate-income households. Such
amenities include reliable access to public transportation, government services, medical and other
emergency services.
i. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the location of existing affordable
housing.
The County considers all suitable areas throughout the County other than locations of existing
affordable housing.
j. Describe the jurisdiction’s required priority for funding based on the extent to which the application
makes use of non-federal funding sources.
There is greater consideration for projects that utilizes other sources of funding including non-federal
funding that has been secured and firm commitments have been received.
2. Does the jurisdiction’s application require the applicant to include a description of the eligible
activities to be conducted with HTF funds?
Yes
3. Does the jurisdiction’s application require that each eligible recipient certify that housing units assisted
with HTF funds will comply with HTF requirements?
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Yes
4. Performance Goals and Benchmarks. The jurisdiction has met the requirement to provide for
performance goals, consistent with the jurisdiction’s goals established under 24 CFR 91.215(b)(2), by
including HTF in its housing goals in the housing table on the SP-45 Goals and AP-20 Annual Goals and
Objectives screens.
Yes
5. Rehabilitation Standards. The jurisdiction must establish rehabilitation standards for all HTF-assisted
housing rehabilitation activities that set forth the requirements that the housing must meet upon project
completion. The jurisdiction’s description of its standards must be in sufficient detail to determine the
required rehabilitation work including methods and materials. The standards may refer to applicable
codes or they may establish requirements that exceed the minimum requirements of the codes. The
jurisdiction must attach its rehabilitation standards below. If the jurisdiction will not use HTF funds for
the rehabilitation of housing, enter “N/A”.
In addition, the rehabilitation standards must address each of the following: health and safety; major
systems; lead-based paint; accessibility; disaster mitigation (where relevant); state and local codes,
ordinances, and zoning requirements; Uniform Physical Condition Standards; Capital Needs Assessments
(if applicable); and broadband infrastructure (if applicable).
N/A
6. Resale or Recapture Guidelines. Below, the jurisdiction must enter (or attach) a description of the
guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HTF funds when used to assist first-time
homebuyers. If the jurisdiction will not use HTF funds to assist first-time homebuyers, enter “N/A”.
N/A
7. HTF Affordable Homeownership Limits. If the jurisdiction intends to use HTF funds for homebuyer
assistance and does not use the HTF affordable homeownership limits for the area provided by HUD, it
must determine 95 percent of the median area purchase price and set forth the information in
accordance with §93.305. If the jurisdiction will not use HTF funds to assist first-time homebuyers, enter
“N/A”.
N/A
8. Limited Beneficiaries or Preferences. Describe how the jurisdiction will limit the beneficiaries or give
preferences to a particular segment of the extremely low- or very low-income population to serve
unmet needs identified in its consolidated plan or annual action plan. If the jurisdiction will not limit the
beneficiaries or give preferences to a particular segment of the extremely low- or very low-income
population, enter “N/A.”
Any limitation or preference must not violate nondiscrimination requirements in § 93.350, and the
jurisdiction must not limit or give preferences to students. The jurisdiction may permit rental housing
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owners to limit tenants or give a preference in accordance with § 93.303 only if such limitation or
preference is described in the action plan.
N/A
9. Refinancing of Existing Debt. Enter or attach the jurisdiction’s refinancing guidelines below. The
guidelines describe the conditions under which the jurisdiction will refinance existing rental housing
project debt. The jurisdiction’s refinancing guidelines must, at minimum, demonstrate that
rehabilitation is the primary eligible activity and ensure that this requirement is met by establishing a
minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and refinancing. If
the jurisdiction will not refinance existing debt, enter “N/A.”
N/A
Discussion:
North KohalaCT 21840.62%Honokaa-KukuihaeleCT 219.0237.86%Paauhau-PaauiloCT 22032.11%North HiloCT 221.0246.08%PapaikouCT 20148.92%HiloCT 202.0252.54%KeaauCT 210.1351.10%Hawaiian ParadiseParkCT 210.0554.24%AinaloaCT 210.0367.40%Upper PunaCT 210.1066.59%Volcano-Mt. ViewCT 210.1148.14%PahoaCT 211.0670.90%Kalapana-KapohoCT 211.0160.90%Ka`uCT 212.0259.10%South KonaCT 21335.75%North KonaCT 215.0243.94%KalaoaCT 215.0736.28%WaimeaCT 217.0245.37%KawaihaeCT 217.0428.20%²
Kailua-KonaCT 216.0137.98% L/MHolualoaCT 216.0443.53% L/MKahalu`u-Keauhou-HonaloCT 215.0947.58% L/MKealakekua-Captain CookCT 214.0238.11% L/MNapoopoo-HonaunauCT 21335.75% L/MNorth KonaCT 215.0243.94% L/M²COUNTY OF HAWAI`IINSET MAP ALow/Mod Income Areas by Census Tracts
University Heights-Hoolulu ParkCT 20572.88% L/MPuainakoCT 207.0141.40% L/MKawailaniCT 207.0231.21% L/MHaihaiCT 20935.36% L/MPiihonua-KaumanaCT 208.0237.03% L/M Upper Kaumana-Puainako Street Ext.CT 208.0126.81% L/MPuueo- DowntownCT 20363.01% L/MKeaukaha-PanaewaCT 20644.45% L/MMohouli Park-PauahiCT 20458.10% L/M²
North KohalaCT 218WAIMEAHILOKA`UKONAHonokaa-KukuihaeleCT 219.02Paauhau-PaauiloCT 220North HiloCT 221.02PapaikouCT 201HiloCT 202.02KeaauCT 210.13Hawaiian ParadiseParkCT 210.05AinaloaCT 210.03Upper PunaCT 210.10Volcano-Mt. ViewCT 210.11PahoaCT 211.06Kalapana-KapohoCT 211.01Ka`uCT 212.02South KonaCT 213Kailua-KonaCT 216.01North KonaCT 215.02KalaoaCT 215.07WaimeaCT 217.02KawaihaeCT 217.04Hamakua Youth and CommunityCenter Phase 2 Improvements²Low/Mod Income Household AreasNon L/M Income Census TractsL/M Income Census TractsInformation is based on HUD ACS and 2019 SMS Housing StudyCOUNTY OF HAWAI`IACTION PLAN CDBG PROJECTSFOR PROGRAM YEAR 2023Mental Health Kokua - HiloHale Residence ImprovementsPuna Volunteer Fire StationBrush Truck AcquisitionHale Ohana Domestic AbuseShelter Phase 2 Improvements(Location Confidential)West HI Domestic AbuseShelter Phase 2 Improvements(Location Confidential)HCEOC - CertifiedKitchen ConversionKau Volunteer Fire StationBrush Truck AcquisitionMental Health Kokua - Big Island Transportation(Islandwide)