Office of Housing and Community Development
X. OFFICE OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTROLE 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
Housing 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 and was named Housing Administrator in July 2000.
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 36 full-time staff positions.
Number of Positions:
Administration Division
11
Community Development Division
4
Development
5
Existing Housing Division
16
TOTAL
36
All employees are appointed or on contract.
BUDGET
The OHCD's operating budget was $ 2,211,835
Existing Housing Division
The HUD Section 8 Housing Assistance Program Annual Appropriation was $8,918,641, and assisted 1,448 families.
The annual appropriation for Housing Management was $230,500 and assisted fifty families at Kulaimano.
HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance received $750,000 and assisted 125 families.
Existing Housing Division
Annual |
Families |
|
Appropriation |
Assisted |
|
HUD Section 8 Certificates and Vouchers |
$8,918,641 |
1,488 |
Housing Management (Kulaimano) |
$ 230,500 |
50 |
HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance |
$ 750,000 |
125 |
TOTAL |
$9,899,141 |
1,623 |
Community Development Division
New Grants Approved and Received |
Amount |
1999 Community Development Block Grant |
$2,205,589 |
1999 HOME Investment Partnership Program |
$1,228,000 |
1999 Emergency Shelter Grant |
$ 56,513 |
1999 Housing Preservation Grant |
$ 50,000 |
Workforce Investment Act Transition |
$ 38,300 |
TOTAL |
$3,578,402 |
HIGHLIGHTS/ACTIVITIES
Major Projects Completed
The Existing Housing Division: Took approximately 500 families off the waiting list and offered rental assistance; continued quarterly newsletter to landlords covering topics such as changes in regulations, changes in documents and contract provisions, lead-based paint regulations and screening of potential tenants; met with community groups, government agencies and landlords to promote and explain the Section 8 Program; applied for and received 215 new vouchers; converted to new data base software; worked our role as One-Stop Partner in Workforce Investment Act; drafter OHCD Rule changes for first time since 1996 and started public hearing; drafted first-ever Public Housing Agency Plan and started public hearings; convened Resident Advisory Board to assist with PHA Plan.
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:
Removed architectural barriers at the Kawamoto Swimming Pool,
Removed architectural barriers at the Hilo Senior Center;
Provided matching funds to rehabilitate the Central Fire Station Hose Tower;
Purchased materials to construct the volunteer fire station in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates;
Cut various curbs for accessibility in S. Hilo;
Reconstructed Lincoln Park in Hilo;
Demolished the former Family Crisis Shelter in S. Hilo;
Restored the exterior of Hilo Armory in S. Hilo;
Purchased a van for the East Hawai’i Mobile Care-A-Van Program;
Constructed an apparatus/multi-purpose facility at the Pahala Fire Station;
Conducted a Homeless Needs Assessment Study;
Conducted environmental assessment for Police Detention facility;
Rehabilitated 15 homes through the Residential Emergency Rehabilitation Program
Solicited project proposals for the 2000 CDBG program funds;
Completed the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan;
Developed and aired Fair Housing Commercial to educate the public about the laws;
Held two public Fair Housing Seminars.
Provided funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala;
Provided funds to the operate the West Hawai'i Family Crisis Shelter; and
Provided funds to the West Hawai'i Family Crisis Shelter for installation of fencing/gate.
Provided rental assistance to 132 low-income families island wide; and
Solicited project proposals for the 2000 HOME program funds.
Completed the rehabilitation of 5 low-income homeowners' residences
Applied for the 2000 HPG program funds.
ONGOING PROJECTS
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:
Remove architectural barriers at the Onekahakaha Beach Park,
Continue to implement the Big Island Rehabilitation Loan Program;
Construct a ball field in Nanawale, Puna;
Phase II of restoration of the Hilo Armory in S. Hilo;
Construct a new fire station in Laupahoehoe;
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;
Continue to air Fair Housing commercial on cable and commercial television;
Provide Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant training to police, sheriff & court staff.
Provide funds to operate the Kawaihae Shelter in Kohala; and
Hale Ohana Spouse Abuse Shelter in Hilo.
Construct the Ouli Self Help Housing Project in Kohala;
Provide loans to low -income homeowners for home rehabilitation;
Construct the Hawi Self Help Housing Project in N. Kohala;
Provide rental assistance to low income families island wide;
Conduct a feasibility study for the Hamakua Assisted Living Facility;
Rehabilitate the Hale Ulu Hoi III rental housing in S. Hilo.
Construct Puna Emergency Access Road.
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 1999 grant will assist approximately 6 low-income homeowners.
Administer WIA funds through various One-Stop centers to provide employment and training services to economically disadvantaged adults, dislocated workers and youth.
Projects Planned
The Existing Housing Division: Complete public hearings and finalize drafts of both PHA Plans and OHCD rule changes. Draft new rules for Resident Advisory Board. Continue renovations at Kulaimano Elderly Housing. Strive for 95% lease-up of vouchers as well as at least 95% lease up of 215 new vouchers by 12/31/00. Continue to meet with landlords and tenants to discuss Program.
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 2001 Community Development Block Grant Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 2001 HOME Investment Partnership Program and solicit project proposals; apply for the 2001 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.
Workforce Investment Act: Apply for WIA 2001 program funds, solicit vendors to provide training and youth services.
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.
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