Latest real-estate & development news and updates
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) faces pressure to efficiently utilize federal Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants, with concerns raised about unspent funds. This scrutiny comes as the program plays a critical role in addressing housing challenges for Native Hawaiians and impacts local businesses involved in housing development.
Maui Land & Pineapple (ML&P), a major landowner on Maui, is facing potential fines from a state commission following allegations of water mismanagement, intensifying existing legal disputes. This situation highlights the critical intersection of water rights, real estate development, and environmental compliance in Hawaii.
The issuance of building permits in Lahaina has been slow, with only a limited number issued to date, impeding the reconstruction of homes and businesses destroyed by the devastating wildfires. This slow pace raises concerns about the economic recovery of the community and the challenges faced by residents and entrepreneurs.
The Maui County Council approved revisions to its workforce housing policy, increasing deed restriction requirements for County-subsidized affordable housing. This decision, with a 6-2 vote, will significantly affect real estate developers, investors, and the broader business landscape of Maui.
Development in the Ala Moana-Kapiolani corridor, once a focal point for high-rise condominium construction, has slowed significantly, raising concerns about the Honolulu real estate market. This shift suggests a potential cooling of investor interest and possible shifts in local economic strategies as construction in the area stalls.
The Maui County Council has taken initial steps to acquire the Wailuku Executive Center and approved funding for the Kula Agricultural Park's expansion, demonstrating a commitment to local economic development. These moves signal growth opportunities for businesses and investors in Maui's real estate and agricultural sectors.
The County of Hawai'i is moving forward with plans to develop an affordable housing project on nearly 61 acres of land near Hilo Benioff Medical Center. This project, slated for the ʻĀinakō Subdivision, aims to address the critical need for affordable housing on the Big Island and provides potential investment avenues for local businesses.
A major $214 million affordable housing project is underway in Kalihi, Oahu, aiming to provide 302 new homes for local families. This initiative addresses the critical need for affordable housing options within the community and signals a significant investment in the area's real estate and development landscape.
The first phase of the Kuhio Park Terrace public housing redevelopment in Honolulu is underway, following the securing of financing. This marks the beginning of a significant $214 million project to modernize the complex and transition it to affordable housing, with implications for investors, construction firms, and current residents.
The Maui County Council's Housing and Land Use Committee is considering a proposal that could allow thousands of existing vacation rentals to continue operating by creating new hotel zoning districts, sparking heated debate over housing and economic concerns on the island. The plan aims to balance the need for affordable housing with the economic contributions of the tourism industry.
Hawaii's housing market faces significant challenges, requiring innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Recent discussions among state and county lawmakers, along with industry experts, highlight potential reforms in land-use laws, zoning, and regulations to address the critical need for expanded housing options across the islands.
A recently released study highlights how current parking mandates are significantly inflating the cost of new housing developments on Oʻahu, adding tens of thousands of dollars to construction expenses. This has significant implications for both developers and potential homebuyers in an already strained real estate market.
Ward Village, a prominent master-planned community in Honolulu, has commenced construction on The Launiu, its eleventh residential tower. This project is set to introduce hundreds of new homes, retail spaces, and significant public open areas, further enhancing the area's appeal and economic prospects.
Maui County is considering new hotel zoning districts to allow some existing short-term rentals to continue operating, sparking debate between economic interests and the need for affordable housing. The Housing and Land Use Committee has paused deliberations on existing recommendations and is now evaluating this new approach.
A Kula property owner offers insights on the Department of Land and Natural Resources' draft environmental assessment for the Kamehamenui Forest Reserve, a 3,434-acre project. The plan aims to balance conservation with recreational opportunities, impacting local businesses and land use.
A novel housing model, the "skinny home," is gaining traction in West Oahu, offering a potential solution to Hawaii's persistent housing affordability challenges. This innovative approach could reshape real estate investment and development strategies for entrepreneurs and investors in the islands.
Layton Construction has been selected as the general contractor for JL Capital's Muse Honolulu, a luxury condominium project in Honolulu's Ala Moana neighborhood. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, offering potential opportunities for local subcontractors and suppliers, and signaling continued investment in Oahu's upscale residential market.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen is advocating for the passage of Bill 9, a measure aimed at phasing out short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts to increase long-term housing options for residents. This policy shift has significant implications for Maui's real estate market, potentially reshaping the balance between the needs of residents and the demands of the visitor industry.
Hawaii's housing shortage demands bold, new solutions, as the crisis stems from past choices. Addressing this requires innovative approaches that offer opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and the community alike.
Lahaina Strong, a community organization formed after the devastating Lahaina wildfire, is advocating for the immediate passage of Bill 9. The bill aims to convert short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts into long-term housing, a measure that faces potential weakening following recommendations from a temporary investigative group.