Kauai, building homes, invites buyers to fairs
LIHUE » Kauai County is asking its residents to dream big when it comes to housing.
With hundreds of affordable-housing units being built by the county over the next few years, Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste is asking anyone on the Garden Isle with housing issues to show up on a Saturday in March at their housing fairs.
The fairs, which will be free and provide child care and refreshments, will match residents with vendors, training programs and ideas on how to become a first-time homeowner or find a nice place to rent. Information on prices, locations and financing options will also be available.
They will be held on March 3 at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, March 10 at the Kilauea gym, March 17 at Kapaa Elementary School, March 24 at the Kauai Memorial Convention Hall and March 31 at the Waimea Theater.
"The trick is getting people to believe they can own a home," Baptiste said. "They believe it's an impossible dream."
The key is to get involved, and to sign up with the affordable-housing coalition to see if they qualify.
Hundreds of properties across the island are scheduled to be built over the next few years, Baptiste said. But the exact amount will depend on how many units are needed, he added.
Units are already being constructed in Hanamaulu, Hanapepe and Anahola; three other projects -- two in Kapaa and one in Kekaha -- are going out for construction bids this month, Baptiste added. The county has also budgeted $4 million for more projects.
For more information on the housing fairs, call the Hawaii Home Ownership Center at 245-5860.