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 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 $ 2,294,686

1. The HUD Section 8 Housing Assistance Program Annual Appropriation was $8,263,297, and assisted 1,244 families.

2. The annual appropriation for Housing Management was $230,500 and assisted fifty families at Kulaimano.

3. HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance received $750,000 and assisted 125 families.

HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITIES

The Existing Housing Division: Achieved 100% lease-up in certificates for the first time; took approximately 420 families off the waiting list and on to the rental assistance program; continued quarterly newsletter to landlords covering topics such as rule changes, document changes, utility allowance changes and contract provisions; met with community groups and landlords to promote and explain the Section 8 program; installed new hardware and started the conversion to new software.

The Development Division: Provided technical assistance to develop a mutual self help project of 40 single-family homes in O’uli, South Kohala, and various other self help projects. Technical assistance was provided for the acquisition and development of the Hualalai Elderly Housing project in Kailua-Kona.

The Community Development Division:

1. Community Development Block Grant Program:

Removed architectural barriers at Hilo Bayfront, Na'alehu Clubhouse, Public Safety Restrooms;

Rehabilitated 16 homes utilizing the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program;

Replaced waterlines in the Pa'auilo and Pa'auhau plantation camps in Hamakua;

Renovated the Kea'au Community/Senior Center;

Developed a Puna Water Master Plan;

Conducted an environmental assessment to acquire land for multi-purpose use in Pahoa;

Conducted an environmental assessment to develop the Wailuku River Park in S. Hilo;

Rehabilitated the Na’alehu Community Center;

Purchased a vehicle for the Hamakua Health Center;

Solicited project proposals for the 1999 CDBG program funds;

Developed a Fair Housing Commercial to educate the public about the laws;

2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program:

Provided funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala;

Provided funds to operate the Bridge House in Kona

Provided funds to operate the Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo; and

Solicited project proposals for the 1999 ESG program funds.

3. HOME Investment Partnership Program:

Provided rental assistance to 176 low-income families island wide;

Constructed the Hualalai Elderly Housing Project in Kona; and

Solicited project proposals for the 1999 HOME program funds.

4.    Housing Preservation Grant:

Completed the rehabilitation of 2 low-income homeowners' residences and applied for the 1999 HPG program funds.

The Development Division: The OHCD participated in the process of updating the housing policy survey. Technical assistance is being provided for the acquisition, repair and maintenance of Hilo Hale, and with 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 OHCD is providing technical assistance for the Hawi and other proposed self-help projects.

The Community Development Division:

1. Community Development Block Grant Program:

Remove architectural barriers at the County Building in Hilo,

Remove architectural barriers at the Onekahakaha Beach Park,

Remove architectural barriers at the One Pauahi Building,

Remove architectural barriers at the Kawamoto Swimming Pool,

Remove architectural barriers at the Hilo Senior Center;

Continue to implement the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program;

Provide matching funds to rehabilitate the Central Fire Station Hose Tower;

Construct a ball field in Nanawale, Puna;

Purchase materials to construct the volunteer fire station in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates;

Cut various curbs for accessibility in S. Hilo;

Reconstruct Lincoln Park in Hilo;

Demolish the former Family Crisis Shelter in S. Hilo;

Restore the Hilo Armory in S. Hilo;

Construct a new fire station in Laupahoehoe;

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;

Construct the East Hawai’i Police Detention Facility in S. Hilo;

Construct an apparatus/multi-purpose facility at the Pahala Fire Station;

Conduct a Homeless Needs Assessment Study;

Continue public awareness campaign for Fair Housing.

2. Emergency Shelter Grants Program:

Provide funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala

Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo;

Renovate the West Hawai’i Family Crisis Shelter

3. HOME Investment Partnership Program

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;

Rehabilitate the Hale Ulu Hoi III rental housing in S. Hilo;

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 1998 grant will assist approximately 5 low-income homeowners.

Projects Planned

The Existing Housing Division: Continue newsletter. Continue lease up of HOME TBRA Vouchers. Expand uses of computer programs. 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: Complete the 2000 to 2004 Consolidated Plan; apply for the 2000 Community Development Block Grant Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 2000 Emergency Shelter Grants Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 2000 HOME Investment Partnership Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 2000 Housing Preservation Grant Programs; continue the Fair Housing public awareness campaign; 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.

• Administers the OHCD's PC-LAN.

• Coordinate the relocation of the OHCD from the old Hilo Armory to another County facility.