New online map tracks affordable housing projects in Hawaii

(BVN) – A new online tool has been launched to help Hawaiʻi County residents track and find affordable housing projects on the Big Island.

Hawaiʻi County’s Affordable Housing Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the more than 8,100 affordable housing units in the pipeline, as well as thousands of existing rental units.

“Our commitment to improving housing opportunities for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island remains unwavering,” said Susan Kunz, Hawaiʻi County Housing Administrator. “This new online tool reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability, and ensures that residents have the information they need to participate in the dialogue about housing development in our County.”

From the County of Hawaiʻi press release:

The two-page landing page of the dashboard presents an affordable housing overview of the County’s existing affordable housing and projects planned for future development. Drop-down menus allow the user to choose the data they want to see for each property. The second page uses graphics to present additional project statistics in a clear and simplified manner.

Explore the County of Hawaiʻi Affordable Housing Dashboard by clicking here.

The County of Hawaiʻi Affordable Housing Dashboard was developed entirely in-house by staff in the Department of Information Technology and the Office of Housing and Community Development. The dashboard uses a variety of information provided by various county and state agencies and by nonprofit and commercial developers.

Future phases will include additional data that will provide the opportunity to engage with the community in more detail about affordable housing to support residents as the County works to create a stronger, vibrant community where everyone can work, play and thrive together.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver on our promise to create affordable housing opportunities for local families,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “This dashboard shows our progress, expanding our housing pipeline from just over 1,200 homes to over 8,100. We hope residents will use this technology to track our projects, learn about opportunities in their neighborhoods, and most importantly, hold us accountable to ensure our keiki can thrive and be successful for generations to come.”

According to the 2019 Hawai’i Housing Planning Study, the County of Hawai’i needed to add 10,796 affordable housing units by 2025 to meet the community’s needs.

Since taking office in late 2020, Mayor Mitch Roth’s administration has worked closely with partner developers through the Office of Housing and Community Development to increase the number of units in the affordable housing pipeline from approximately 1,200 units to more than 8,100 units. By the end of 2024, the administration will have overseen the completion of more than 500 affordable housing units for local families.

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and implementation of all County of Hawaiʻi housing programs. Our mission is to ensure the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunity.