In a recent PBN Dialogue, Douglas Bigley of Ikaika ‘Ohana shared insights into the challenges and opportunities of developing affordable housing in Hawaii. The interview highlighted Ikaika ‘Ohana's commitment to building larger rental units, a strategy aimed at providing more comprehensive housing solutions for local families. This focus is particularly relevant given the ongoing housing crisis and the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, which have exacerbated the need for affordable living options.
Bigley's perspective offers a crucial look at how developers are adapting to create more affordable units. The opening of Kaiāulu o Kūku‘ia, a 200-unit affordable housing project in Lahaina, is a tangible example of these efforts businesswire.com. This project, a collaboration between Blieu Companies and Ikaika ‘Ohana, is the first permanent affordable housing built since the devastating 2023 wildfires. The Maui News also reported on the grand opening, noting the significance of providing housing relief for local families, including those displaced by the fires.
Ikaika ‘Ohana's approach speaks to a larger trend of innovation within Hawaii's housing market. The organization is focused on providing more than just shelter, as demonstrated in their implementation plan, which builds communities that will thrive ikaikaohana.org. The opening of the first neighbor island kauhale on Maui scheduled to open by October 2025 further illustrates this point spectrumlocalnews.com. These projects reflect a multi-faceted approach to address homelessness and displacement, reflecting an important step toward providing comprehensive housing options in the state.
For Hawaii's entrepreneurs and investors, Ikaika ‘Ohana's work signifies potential opportunities in the affordable housing sector. The emphasis on larger rental units and community-focused developments could create investor interest and drive demand for construction and associated services. This trend aligns with the need for creative financing solutions and public-private partnerships, a key point in addressing Hawaii’s housing challenges. Projects like these provide a model for quick-build housing to address the rising cost of living hawaiibusiness.com
