Tax credits help build
240 isle rental units

Star-Bulletin staff

The state has awarded $28.6 million in federal and state tax credits for three housing projects throughout the state.

The projects include the first affordable senior rentals project in Hawaii Kai; a West Maui rental project that features a telemedicine examination center; and a native Hawaiian homes project in Kapolei where renters can become buyers.

The state Housing and Community Development Corp. today said the awards will allow the construction of 240 affordable rental units on Oahu and Maui.

The Hawaii Intergenerational Community Development Association was awarded $3.9 million in tax credits for its Kaluanui Senior Apartments in Hawaii Kai, with 30 units renting from $363 to $726 a month.

The Front Street Affordable Housing Partners LP received $15.6 million in tax credits for its Front Street Apartments in Lahaina, Maui with 139 units renting for $555 to $828 a month. The project's telemedicine facility will offer "telehealth" examination services to residents. Nurses from Maui Community College will be able to "visit" patients using video and monitoring equipment hooked up to diagnostic terminals.

The Village 6 RTO LP was awarded $9.1 million in tax credits for its Kapolei Hoolimalima project. It will be the first affordable housing project targeting low-income, native Hawaiian families. Eligible applicants will be taken from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands wait-list of about 1,700.

The project involves 71 single-family homes at Kapolei. Residents will have an option to purchase their homes at the end of 15 years at affordable prices based on current income levels.