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By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
The elevators at Maunakea Tower may seem more packed
than ever, but the jam should ease by December, when
renovations are completed.

Residents win:
Maunakea Tower
stays affordable,
and renovates, too

A blessing today at the
apartments hails a new
owner and a pledge to sta
y affordable for 35 years

---

By Brett Alexander-Estes
Star-Bulletin

When Flora Miu speaks today at the Maunakea Tower Apartments blessing in Chinatown, the brevity of her remarks won't reflect the long hours she has devoted to preserving affordable housing at the complex.

Through the efforts of government agencies and advocacy groups such as the tenants' association Miu spearheaded in 1998, Maunakea Tower Apartments will retain its affordable rental status for the next 35 years.

"It's a great moment," said Miu, a tower resident.

Located across the Chinatown Cultural Plaza Shopping Center, the 32-story Maunakea Tower Apartments is home to more than 600 people, 42 percent of whom are 62 years of age or older.

Since 1996, Maunakea Tower has been in danger of losing its affordable status because of the expiration of certain qualifying restrictions.

This meant the building's owner would have been able to raise rents to market value.

With the help of the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, an advocacy group, and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Miu's tenants' association lobbied state and city lawmakers for two years to stop conversion of Maunakea Tower's subsidized apartments into commercial properties.

Funding raised jointly by city, state and federal housing agencies allowed a new owner to step in, renew the affordable housing status and begin renovation of the 24-year-old structure.

All 380 units are being upgraded, with new paint, carpeting, fixtures, cabinetry and appliances.

"When the residents go back into the (renovated) units, they're just so happy," said Miu.

The elevators and security equipment are also being improved. Renovations are expected to be completed in December.

"This is a wonderful story of how the public and private sector collaborated to solve a problem. It's a win-win for everyone involved," said Mayor Jeremy Harris, who will attend today's blessing.