Hōkūao, the first major housing development on the island of Lāna‘i in over three decades, welcomed a second group of new residents in April, just four months after wrapping work on its first batch of rental homes in December.
Managed by Pūlama Lāna‘i, the new units are expected to increase the island’s local housing supply by at least 10 percent by the end of 2024 when the project is fully completed.
Hōkūao’s innovative design features include off-grid items like Tesla solar roof shingles and backup batteries, which emphasize energy conservation and sustainability. Every new home is also fitted with energy-efficient appliances and low-flow water fixtures, ensuring minimal environmental impact while also encouraging residents to conserve resources.
The project also utilizes precut cross-laminated timber made from Hinoki cypress, which is sourced from Japan. This method speeds up the building process, significantly reducing construction waste while helping showcase an eco-friendly approach to building modern housing developments. The Hōkūao project also marks the first successful collaboration between Japanese manufacturer Meiken and a Hawai‘i-based client in utilizing the Hinoki wood.
Pūlama Lāna‘i has made considerable strides in addressing the island’s housing shortage, despite owning only 30 percent of the residential properties on the island. The company has already renovated more than 200 apartments and refurbished more than 150 traditional plantation homes on Lāna‘i, with half of the Hōkūao development designated as affordable housing for local residents in perpetuity.
A representative for Pūlama Lāna‘i says Hawai‘i-based builder Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. is serving as general contractor for the project.
