CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Leonard Withington Jr. sat in his living room yesterday at Piikoi Vista, 1326 Piikoi St. The eight-story building beside the H-1 freeway is for seniors 62 or older with incomes at 50 percent or less of Honolulu's median income, according to the resident manager, or about $24,950 a year. Withington complimented the design, which keeps out freeway noise. CLICK FOR LARGE
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Addition of 47 affordable units for seniors praised
Piikoi Vista has charity-provided social workers to help seniors with health care and other issues
COMMUNITY leaders and residents celebrated the addition of 47 affordable living units for senior citizens in Honolulu yesterday.
"I love it and it's affordable," said Jill Jameson, a resident of Piikoi Vista at 1326 Piikoi St. The eight-story building beside the H-1 freeway is for seniors 62 or older with incomes at 50 percent or less of Honolulu's median income, according to the resident manager, or about $24,950 a year.
Piikoi Vista is the seventh housing project built by nonprofit developer Hawaii Housing Development Corp. since it formed in 1993.
The building opened to residents in December at $605 a month for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit.
Resident manager Jason Hiyakumoto said there are still about 20 of the 415-square-foot units available with a 50-person waiting list. However, applications are still being accepted because there are other properties that could have openings, such as the adjacent Kinau Vista, also developed by the housing agency.
As part of the residential fees, Catholic Charities Hawaii will provide on-site case managers that will help senior citizens living at Piikoi Vista maintain independent lives and stay out of nursing homes.
The social workers will help residents with health and mental care, doctor visits and sorting out issues with management, said Betty Lou Larson, Catholic Charities Hawaii housing program director.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
APPLICATIONS FOR UNITS STILL BEING ACCEPTED
To apply for a unit at Piikoi Vista, fill out an application at the Piikoi Vista manager's office at 1326 Piikoi St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or call 738-3100. About 20 of the one-bedroom, one-bath units are still available for seniors earning 50 percent or less of Honolulu's median income, or about $24,950 a year. CLICK FOR LARGE
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"The goal is to keep them home as long as possible," she said, adding the charity is preparing for the aging of Honolulu's population. "We know that wave is coming."
Leonard Withington Jr., who lives in a disabled unit at the Vista, was looking for a place with an elevator instead of the walk-ups in Waikiki. He complimented the design of the building, which keeps out noise from the freeway, and also enjoys the central location -- a short walk away from Times Super Market, Safeway and bus stops.
"I applied to a lot of places. It's a waiting game. I've been waiting quite a while," he said. Retired from the tourist industry, Withington lived in Waikiki for seven years before moving to Piikoi Vista. "One of the reasons for choosing low income (rental), it means it's under control. It's not like Waikiki," he said.
City, state, federal and private financing contributed to the project, which will keep the building affordable for 61 years.
The state Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. awarded $8.2 million in federal and state low-income housing tax credits for the project. Meanwhile, the city provided $1.7 million in federal grants for urban renewal and affordable housing.
"Many layers of financing are needed to complete a job like this," said Vice Chairwoman Linda Martell.