An affordable housing project in Waikoloa got nine thumbs up Tuesday, signaling an easy approval when the County Council meets later this month to take a final vote on the plan.
The council Planning Committee gave unanimous consent to developers of the proposed Hoomalu at Waikoloa affordable housing project for exemptions from three development requirements. Resolution 599 exempts the project from the zoning density cap of 142 units to allow construction of 229 units. It also exempts project developer Stanford Carr Development LLC from fees for plan review and building permits.
“We don’t just build buildings or projects or apartments,” Carr told the committee. “We build communities.”
Support came from community members as well, with 107 people signing a petition and submitting letters of support. Support also came from the construction trade and business groups.
“We believe this workforce development and housing project will improve the well-being of the community,” said Nathan Lowry, testifying via Zoom. “We feel this development is the right development at the right place at the right time.”
The Hoomalu at Waikoloa project is envisioned to target a wide range of household incomes, with 12 units available to those households making $20,101 annually, which is 30% of the median area income. The one-bedroom apartment in that category would have a monthly rent of $535.
The remaining units will be for those up to 100% AMI. For example, 50% AMI is an income of $38,100 for two people. The one-bedroom apartment in that category would cost $893. A family of three making up to $51,420 (the 60% AMI) would qualify for a two-bedroom apartment for $1,285. And a four-person household making $95,200 — or 100% AMI — could get a three-bedroom apartment for $2,476. Developers pledged to keep the units affordable for at least 65 years.
The proposed development will also include a community center, childcare center and recreation facilities. The 25.8-acre site is part of the Waikoloa Beach Resort with proposed access off Queen Kaahumanu Highway via Waikoloa Beach Drive; a private roadway.
The community center will host a function room, a recreation deck with a playground, BBQ areas and a swimming pool as well as a gym, restrooms, mail center and administration offices for management and services. Komohale Services, Stanford Carr Development’s nonprofit service connector, will coordinate outside wellness, finance and job training service providers to the residents.
In addition, a childcare facility, open to residents and the community at large, will be located in the community center complex. Four classrooms and up to 100 preschool children will have a licensed childcare provider operating with all required amenities, developers said.
(This article has been corrected to reflect that there will be 12 units available to those making 30% of the area median income.)