Hale Pilina

Affordable Housing in Kahului for Maui Families & Wildfire Survivors

Maui is taking a significant step toward addressing its housing crisis with the groundbreaking of Hale Pilina, a 178-unit affordable housing complex in Kahului. Slated to open in mid-2027, this development will provide much-needed shelter for families displaced by the devastating August 2023 wildfires and others struggling with Maui’s ongoing housing shortage.

Courtesy: Becker Communications

A New Beginning for Maui Families

Located on a long-vacant lot on South Puʻunēnē Avenue, Hale Pilina—a name that means “House of Connection” in Hawaiian—will be more than just a place to live. The project, which includes four residential buildings, a central green space, and a playground, is designed to foster community and belonging. Its strategic location near essential services like the post office, district pool, bus depot, and shopping centers makes it an ideal home for working families.

The development will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with rent prices ranging from $547 to $1,472 per month, depending on income level. Units will be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), including special allocations for those at 30% and 50% AMI.

Courtesy: Becker Communications

Prioritizing Wildfire Survivors

Families affected by the 2023 wildfires will receive priority access to units for the first two years after completion. This initiative offers a lifeline to many who lost everything and are still searching for stable housing.

“This vacant parcel is going to be home to 178 lucky families,” said Denise Iseri-Matsubara, executive director of Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation, during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Funding & Future Plans

The $150 million project was made possible through state and federal funding, tax credits, and private investments. Key contributors include:

• $32.6 million from the State of Hawaii Rental Housing Revolving Fund
• $10.7 million non-repayable grant from Maui County’s Affordable Housing Fund
• $1.3 million from the County of Maui HOME Fund
• Tax credit investors: JP Morgan, American Savings Bank, and Central Pacific Bank

With affordability guaranteed for 66 years, Hale Pilina represents a long-term commitment to Maui’s future.

Courtesy: Becker Communications

A Model for Affordable Housing

Representatives from the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation praised Catholic Charities for its strong track record and dedication to serving vulnerable communities. The nonprofit has already developed nearly 500 affordable housing units across the state, primarily for kupuna (elders), but this marks its first family-focused development.

Construction is expected to wrap up by late 2027. When the doors finally open, Hale Pilina will offer more than shelter—it will offer stability, connection, and hope.

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