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IX. OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ROLE AND DUTIES

The goal of the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is to provide for the development of viable communities in Hawai'i County by providing decent housing, suitable living environments and the expansion of economic opportunities. The office is under the direct supervision of the Mayor. The Hawai'i County Housing Agency, which consists of the members of the County Council, establishes the overall goals, policies and directions for the office. There are four OHCD divisions:

The Administration Division provides support services to the other divisions.

The Community Development Division is responsible for federal grants which primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

The Development Division is no longer staffed. Project and other division assignments are being covered by the Administration and Community Development divisions.

The Existing Housing Division is responsible for the management of the County's rental housing programs and projects.

STAFF

Assistant Administrator

Edwin S. Taira is a native of Hilo. He is a graduate of Hilo High School, attended the University of Hawai'i - Hilo, and received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai'i - Manoa in 1974. He has been with the OHCD since 1975.

Leah H. Yanagi was born in Honolulu. She is a graduate of Waipahu High School, and the University of Hawai'i - Manoa, with a degree in Human Development. Mrs. Yanagi has been with the OHCD since 1980.

Patricia G. Engelhard was born in Kaua'i. She is a graduate of Punahou School and the University of Hawai'i, with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She joined the office in January 1993. Ms. Engelhard served as County Clerk December 1994 to June 1995. She returned to her position with the office in June 1995.

The office is comprised of 32 full-time staff positions.

Administration Division Community Development Division Development Existing Housing Division TOTAL

9 4 5 14 32

All employees are appointed or on contract.

BUDGET

The OHCD's operating budget was $ 1,938,587.

ACTIVITIES

The Existing Housing Division: Revised Section 8 Rules and Regulations. Opened waiting list in September 1996 for three weeks, during which time 1,494 applications were accepted. Started placing tenants on HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance Vouchers in an effort to help more very low income families with housing. Expanded sugar disaster vouchers to Kauai, with authorization from HUD, to assist McBryde and other sugar company employees affected by the phase out of the sugar industry. Issued two quarterly newsletters in an effort to provide landlords with information about various aspects of the Section 8 Program.

The Development Division: Provided technical assistance to develop a mutual self help project of 20 single-family homes in Kea'au and various other self help projects. Technical assistance was provided for the acquisition and repair of the Riverside Apartments project.

The Community Development Division:

1. Community Development Block Grant Program: Designed and renovated the Kiheipua shelter in Hilo; constructed a water production well in Pi'ihonua, Hilo; constructed a water production well in Hawi, S. Kohala; purchased a mini pumper fire truck for the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Fire Station in Ka'u; purchased two fire trucks for the Pepe'ekeo Fire Station in S. Hilo and Hawaiian Paradise Park Station in Puna; purchased equipment for the Hawai'i Island Food Bank in Hilo and Kona; developed the Kalaoa Self Help Project in Kona; provided funds to the Hilo Main Street Program; rehabilitated one home for homeless families via the Hale Kokua Program; removed architectural barriers at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Seven Seas Luau House, and Kawananakoa Hall; constructed site-improvements for HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Project on Mohouli Street; replaced waterlines in the Haina plantation camp in Hamakua; purchased 2 vans to transport the homeless for the Care-A-Van Program; and solicited project proposals for the 1997 CDBG program funds.

2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program: Provided funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala, the Kiheipua Shelter in Hilo, and the West Hawai'i Options for Living in Kona; and solicited project proposals for the 1997 ESG program funds.

3. HOME Investment Partnership Program: Provided funding for site work at the Kalaoa Self Help Housing Project; solicited project proposals for the 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 HOME program funds.

4. Special Purpose Grant: Designed waterline replacement for the O'okala camp in Hamakua.

5. Housing Preservation Grant: Completed the rehabilitation of four low income homeowners' residences.

The Development Division: The OHCD is in the process of updating the housing policy survey of 1992. The OHCD is providing technical assistance to the following project in West Hawai'i: University Heights West, a 50-unit single-family development. On the Hamakua Coast the OHCD is providing technical assistance to Hamakua Housing Corporation with the refurbishing, renovation and restoration of former sugar company employee housing camps. In East Hawai'i the OHCD is providing technical assistance to Pi'ihonua Camp Corporation in Hilo to complete Camps 3, 4 and 5. Technical assistance is being provided for the acquisition, repair and maintenance of Hilo Hale, and with the subdivision of the proposed elderly housing project in Kea'au.

The Community Development Division:

1. Community Development Block Grant Program: Purchase three fire trucks for the Pahala Fire Station in Ka'u, Laupahoehoe Fire Station in N. Hilo, and Central Fire Station in S. Hilo; remove architectural barriers at the County Building in Hilo, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Public Safety Building A & B, Civil Defense Center, Yano Hall, Na'alehu Community Center, Pahoa Community Center, Spencer Beach Park, Onekahakaha Beach Park, Hilo Bayfront, Former JC Penney's Building, Na'alehu Clubhouse, Kawamoto Swimming Pool, Hilo Senior Center, Public Safety Restrooms, and other facilities on the ADA transition plan; develop and implement the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program; construct off site improvements (road, water, etc) the HUD Section 202 Elderly Housing Project in Kea'au; construct the Ka'u Police Station in Ka'u; provide matching funds to rehabilitate the Central Fire Station; replace the roof at the Brantley Center in Honoka'a; replace waterlines in the Kekoa, Waipunalei, Pa'auilo, O'okala, and Pa'auhau plantation camps in Hamakua; construct a ballfield in Nanawale, Puna; rehabilitate the Kea'au Community/Senior Center; purchase materials to construct the volunteer fire station in Pepe'ekeo and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates; develop a County American Disability Act Curb Cut Plan; develop a Puna Water Master Plan; reconstruct Lincoln Park in Hilo; conduct a study to update the housing study done in 1992; renovate the Easter Seals Facility in S. Hilo; construct a new Hospice Counseling and Training Center in S. Hilo; acquire land for multi purpose use in Pahoa; demolish the former Family Crisis Shelter in S. Hilo; restore the Hilo Armory in S. Hilo; construct a new fire station in Laupahoehoe; design and plan for the Wailuku River Park in S. Hilo.

2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program: Provide funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala, the Kiheipua Shelter in Hilo, the Bridge House in Kona; and the Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo.

3. HOME Investment Partnership Program: Rehabilitate the two HUD homes for continued use as transitional housing; acquire homes to be used for low income rental housing; construct the Hualalai Elderly Housing Project in Kona; construct the Ouli Self Help Housing Project in Kohala; construct the Hawi Self Help Housing Project in N. Kohala; and provide rental assistance to low income families island wide.

4. Special Purpose Grant: Provide funds for technical assistance training to the 6 Plantation Camp Associations to operate water system and infrastructures; design waterline replacement for the Pa'auilo camp; inspect the homes for compliance with the emergency repair grants.

5. Housing Preservation Grant: Continue to provide funds to the Hawai'i County Economic Opportunity Council to administer the rehabilitation loan program for the County of Hawai'i. The 1995 Grant will assist approximately seven low income homeowners the 1996 Grant will assist approximately five low income homeowners.

The Existing Housing Division: Continue newsletter and continue lease up of HOME TBRA Vouchers. Expand uses of computer programs. Upgrade software and hardware.

The Development Division will continue to assist private enterprise in the development of affordable housing and provide technical assistance to non-profit organizations.

The Community Development Division: Apply for the 1998 Community Development Block Grant Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1998 Emergency Shelter Grants Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1998 HOME Investment Partnership Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1997 and 1998 Housing Preservation Grant Programs; apply for other appropriate federal grants for the County of Hawai'i; and provide technical assistance to organizations who are interested in applying for other U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants.

The Administration Division will continue to provide the normal staff support services and

• Provide staff services to conduct HCHA meetings and assisted in compiling information, as requested, by the HCHA members.

• Provide technical assistance to non-profit organizations.

• Coordinate the relocation of the OHCD from the old Hilo Armory to the "old JC Penney" site or to another County facility.

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