Kona, Hilo DHHL projects to receive fed’l grant funding

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has been approved to receive a Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant totaling $9.7 million.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Native Hawaiian Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act funds will be used for a variety of eligible affordable housing activities, including new construction, acquisition, modernization or rehabilitation of rental or owner­ occupied housing, housing services, crime prevention, safety, or model activities, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

The department will use $9.7 million for projects in Kona and Keaukaha, as well as Kalamaula on Molokai, Waimanalo on Oahu, and Anahola on Kauai, according to Schatz.

“Native Hawaiian families face unique barriers to adequate housing and over the last decade, federal funding has helped make a positive difference,” Schatz said in a prepared statement. “The Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act is a landmark statute with programs that have proven very effective in addressing housing disparities faced by native communities. In Hawaii, I have witnessed the success of the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant and loan guarantee programs first hand – how they have benefitted the Native Hawaiian community, increased homeownership, improved living conditions, and changed lives. I will continue do all that I can to protect and secure Native Hawaiian programs aimed at addressing unmet housing, education, health and other critical needs.”