Residents warn DHHL plan for Waipoli Courtyards could force many off Kauai

Residents of the Waipoli (Waipoli/Waipoli) Courtyards and community advocates told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on May 20 that the department’s current relocation plan for the proposed redevelopment lacks realistic, Kauai‑based options and could force many tenants to move off the island.

Speakers said the relocation budget in DHHL’s May 8 submittal—$2.2 million—falls far short of what will be needed to provide comparable housing on Kauai. Kenneth Summer Gibson, speaking for residents, said 42 households qualify for federal relocation assistance but island rents make comparable units scarce; he told the commission that moving those households on Kauai would require substantially more than the budget DHHL presented and that InterWest Group, the contractor managing relocation, has not produced a clear, HUD‑approved plan or consistent point of contact.

Several tenants described the proposal as effectively requiring relocation off‑island. Joanne Yukimura, former Kauai mayor, said she had not seen a HUD‑approved relocation plan that demonstrates adequate on‑island options and called the proposed approach “not pono” because it would evict working residents with little prospect of comparable housing on Kauai. Resident Lourdes Torres described personal and family hardships and told commissioners that she and others face “practically homeless” prospects if the relocation proceeds as currently drafted.

Speakers cited the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and HUD requirements; they asked the commission to require InterWest Group to provide a full relocation plan, to engage directly with tenants, and to show how the department intends to meet federal relocation obligations for low‑income households. Kenneth Summer Gibson and others provided alternative budget figures: an internal estimate of roughly $3.5 million for basic rental assistance on Kauai and a community proposal of $6.8 million that includes moving costs and additional subsidies for very low‑income residents.

Department staff and commissioners acknowledged the difficulty. Chair Watson said relocation benefits are required by law and indicated DHHL will monitor compliance; he said HUD had reviewed the relocation plan. A commissioner told residents that if additional funds are required under federal rules the developer would need to address those needs, and the commission will monitor the process.

Residents urged the commission to require InterWest to meet with tenants, provide clear timelines and documentation of HUD approvals, and improve communications. Several speakers said the contractor’s staff turnover and lack of concrete schedules were causing undue stress. Tenants requested clearer accounting of relocation budgets, verification of HUD or NAHASDA compliance, and a commitment from DHHL that no household would be left without comparable, HUD‑compliant replacement housing.

The department’s plan for Waipoli is part of a broader DHHL effort to develop housing projects across the state. Commissioners did not take a vote on the Waipoli relocation item during the May 20 session; they heard public testimony and instructed staff to follow up on relocation‑plan documentation and contractor engagement.

For residents, the immediate question is whether DHHL and the developer can produce a HUD‑compliant relocation plan that demonstrates feasible on‑island solutions and the budget to implement them. Many speakers asked the commission to require InterWest to appear before staff and residents to answer questions before the project moves forward.