Ewa Beach approves ground lease for 126-unit affordable housing project

The Honolulu City Council convened on March 8, 2025, for a special budget meeting focused on Resolution 25-74, which authorizes a ground lease with Komohale Westlock Venture LP for the development of an affordable rental housing project in Ewa Beach, Oahu. The proposed project, named Kala'ema'o Village, aims to provide 126 rental units for low-income households earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

The meeting began with a presentation from Angela Melody Young, a real estate agent testifying in support of the resolution. Young highlighted the developer's experience, noting their involvement in the Aloha Stadium project and their commitment to maximizing resources for the community.

Following her testimony, Kevin Auger, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Housing, provided further details about the project. He emphasized that the city is allocating over $30 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds to support the development. Auger explained that utilizing vacant city lands for affordable housing through public-private partnerships is a key strategy of the Blangiardi administration to address the housing supply crisis on Oahu.

Auger also mentioned that the solicitation for this land parcel was issued over six years ago, aligning with the typical timeline for leasing city-owned properties for affordable housing. He noted that proposed amendments to Chapter 38 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu are currently under review, aiming to streamline the leasing process and enhance collaboration with private partners.

Stanford Carr, a project manager for the Westlock affordable rental housing project, also addressed the council, expressing gratitude for the support and outlining the project's vision. He introduced the project's name, Kala'ema'o Village, which is inspired by a native Hawaiian cotton plant.

The meeting concluded without further public testimony, and the council members were encouraged to ask questions regarding the project. The discussions underscored the city's ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing opportunities for residents, with a focus on collaboration between public and private sectors.