Housing developers Highridge Costa and Hale Mahaolu broke ground on Aug. 13 at Liloa Hale, a $77.9 million affordable housing project in Kīhei. The new Maui development is designed for seniors ages 55 and older and will provide 117 new rental units when construction is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Liloa Hale features a mix of one- and two-bedroom units designed for kūpuna earning between 30 to 60 percent of the area median income. Monthly rents will range from $481 to $1,320. Each residence will be equipped with standard home appliances, air conditioning and other amenities. The community will also feature outdoor walking paths, a picnic area, club house and laundry facilities.
Key figures in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony included Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, state Sen. Troy Hashimoto, state Rep. Terez Amato and Richard Mitchell, Maui County’s director of housing. Dean Minakami, executive director of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp., spoke on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between private developers and government agencies in addressing Hawai‘i’s affordable housing crisis.
“Governor Green has made affordable housing his top priority … [and] it’s only through collaboration with multiple — many times, private sector — elements working alongside many government agencies that we can find our greatest successes,” Minakami said in a news release. “The team … building this project consists of veteran home builders who have worked hard to earn the trust of the local housing community. They’ve done so by developing quality and thoughtful projects, including those designed specifically for kūpuna.”
Lt. Gov. Luke highlighted the significance of Liloa Hale in providing housing for seniors affected by recent fires on the island.
“Because so many kūpuna lost their homes … [and] lost the sense of belonging when the fires happened, [Liloa Hale] is providing an opportunity for so many people to find a sense of community, find a sense of belonging so that they have dignity, and can age in a safe place,” she said.
Hale Mahaolu, which manages over 1,300 affordable units across Maui County, will also oversee the management of Liloa Hale once that project is completed. Hale Mahaolu offers a variety of supportive services for seniors, including meal programs, homemaker services and assistance with personal care.
Highridge Costa has been a key player in affordable housing development since 1994, with over 30,000 affordable homes developed across the U.S., including several projects in Hawai‘i.
Honolulu-based Design Partners Inc. is working with general contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc., Bank of Hawaii and the HHFDC to see the project through to completion.
