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 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.

Community Development

Leah H. Yanagi 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.

Existing Housing

Patricia G. Engelhard 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, left to serve as County Clerk

December 1994 to June 1995, and returned to her position with the office

in June 1995.

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

Number of Positions

All employees are appointed or on contract.

BUDGET

The OHCD's operating budget was $ 2,040,712.

Existing Housing Division

Community Development Division

ACTIVITIES

MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED

The Existing Housing Division: Brought approximately 500 families off the waiting list and on to the rental assistance program. Started an unassisted housing database to assure comparability and reasonableness of program rents. Continued quarterly newsletter to landlords with topics such as damage claims, Housing Quality Standards, and rent reasonableness. Completed parking lot renovation and disabled space upgrades at Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project.

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: Purchased three fire trucks for the Pahala Fire Station in Ka'u, Laupahoehoe Fire Station in N. Hilo, and Central Fire Station in S. Hilo; removed architectural barriers at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Public Safety Building A & B, Civil Defense Center, Yano Hall, Na'alehu Community Center, Pahoa Community Center, and Spencer Beach Park; rehabilitated 16 homes utilizing the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program; constructed off site improvements (Pilimua Road) for the proposed HUD Section 202 Elderly Housing Project in Kea'au; constructed the Ka'u Police Station in Ka'u; replaced the roof at the Brantley Center in Honoka'a; replaced waterlines in the Kekoa, Waipunalei and Ookala plantation camps in Hamakua; purchased materials to construct the volunteer fire station in Pepe'ekeo; conducted a study to update the housing study done in 1992; renovated the Easter Seals Facility in S. Hilo; constructed a new Hospice Counseling and Training Center in S. Hilo; and solicited project proposals for the 1998 CDBG program funds.
2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program: Provided funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala, the Kiheipua Shelter in Hilo, the Bridge House in Kona and Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo; and solicited project proposals for the 1998 ESG program funds.
3. HOME Investment Partnership Program: Rehabilitated two HUD homes for continued use as transitional housing; and provided rental assistance to 186 low income families island wide; and solicited project proposals for the 1998 HOME program funds.
4. Special Purpose Grant: Provided funds for technical assistance training to the 6 Plantation Camp Associations to operate water system and infrastructures; designed waterline replacement for the Pa'auilo camp; inspected the homes for compliance with the emergency repair grants.
5. Housing Preservation Grant: Completed the rehabilitation of 4 low income homeowners' residences and applied for the 1998 HPG program funds.

ONGOING PROJECTS

The Development Division: The OHCD participated in the process of updating the housing policy survey. The OHCD is providing technical assistance to the University Heights West, a 50-unit single-family development in West Hawai'i. On the Hamakua Coast the OHCD provides 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 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. Staff is also assisting homeowners in Ainakea, Paniolo Estates, and Pi'ihonua, who wish to change their buy-back periods from ten to three years, pursuant to Act 299.

The Community Development Division:

1. Community Development Block Grant Program: Remove architectural barriers at the County Building in Hilo, 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; continue to implement the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program; provide matching funds to rehabilitate the Central Fire Station Hose Tower; replace waterlines in the Pa'auilo 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 Hawaiian Ocean View Estates; cut various curbs for accessibility in S. Hilo; develop a Puna Water Master Plan; reconstruct Lincoln Park in 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; purchase a van for the East Hawai'i Mobile Care-A-Van Program; develop plans and design for an East Hawai'i police detention facility in S. Hilo; rehabilitate the Na'alehu Community Center; construct an apparatus/multi-purpose facility at the Pahala Fire Station; purchase a vehicle for the Hamakua Health Center; design and construction a park along side the Wailuku River fronting the Hilo Armory.

2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program: Provide funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala and the Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo; purchase a vehicle for the West Hawai'i Family Crisis Shelter.

3. HOME Investment Partnership Program: Construct the Hualalai Elderly Housing Project in Kona; construct the Ouli Self Help Housing Project in Kohala; provide loans to low income homeowner's for home rehabilitation; construct the Hawi Self Help Housing Project in N. Kohala; provide rental assistance to low income families island wide; purchase the land for the Kurtistown Self-Help Housing Project; and conduct a feasibility study for the Hamakua Assisted Living Facility.

4. Special Purpose Grant: Provide funds for the Puna Emergency Access Road.

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 1997 and 1998 Grants together with program income will assist approximately 12 low income homeowners.

PROJECTS PLANNED

The Existing Housing Division: Continue newsletter. Continue lease up of HOME TBRA Vouchers. Expand uses of computer programs. Upgrade hardware and software. Attend software training sessions. Continue renovation for disabled at Kulaimano Elderly Housing Project.

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 1999 Community Development Block Grant Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1999 Emergency Shelter Grants Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1999 HOME Investment Partnership Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 1999 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.