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A May 29 letter to the Star-Bulletin suggested that Hawaii's supply of affordable housing is threatened, but it completely missed the mark. The author erroneously focused on only one element of the state's affordable housing program and totally overlooked the urgent need for revitalizing many public housing projects. State makes progress
with more, better
public housingUnder Governor Cayetano's administration, the state has, in fact, produced more affordable rental housing and assisted more homeless households than in any prior administration.
We have assisted in the development and preservation of approximately 4,500 rental units totaling $595 million, and worked with private-sector partners to assist more than 12,500 homeless people annually. We've also located permanent housing for more than 8,900 residents.
Our housing initiatives have resulted and will continue to result in creating more homes in better quality residential communities.
Furthermore, all residents displaced during reconstruction or remodeling will be provided with relocation housing, either through rental allowances or placement in other state housing developments.
Displaced residents also will be given priority to return to the remodeled or reconstructed housing at their original rents, if their incomes have not changed.
Because public housing was originally conceived to be temporary under President Roosevelt's New Deal programs to combat the Great Depression, almost all of these projects were extremely overcrowded, with little or no residential amenities.
These deficiencies particularly affected family living and development. High crime rates, and sterile barracks-like structures or overcrowded high rises, characterized public housing across the nation, including in Hawaii.
Many of these structures have been abandoned or demolished.
Last year, the residents of Kalihi Valley Homes decided for themselves to reduce their public housing from 400 to 301 apartments to improve their quality of life through the creation of open recreation areas and a new community center.
In addition, major remodeling is planned to remove the barracks-like appearance.
A recent resident survey taken at Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes overwhelmingly found that residents strongly oppose raising children in high rises.
A master plan is being finalized to demolish the high-rise structures and create a lower density, quality community at Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes. Also, through the efforts of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a major community resource center will be developed at Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes to provide support services to residents.
The state's oldest public housing developments are nearly 50 years old. Mayor Wright Homes, for example, was built in 1952 and is now plagued with numerous design, building and infrastructure deficiencies.
Mayor Wright is often criticized as a physically rundown public housing project troubled by drug use and violent crime. The revitalization of Mayor Wright is proceeding to improve the living environment for residents, as well as to create a strong economically viable community.
In closing, the impact of Governor Cayetano's affordable rental housing policies has increased the supply of affordable rental housing, provided shelter to the most vulnerable, the homeless, and improved the quality of our public housing communities.
Ronald S. Lim is special assistant to the governor for housing.