The Maui County Council has unanimously approved the Kaiahale ‘o Kahiluhilu project, signaling a significant step towards addressing Maui's affordable housing crisis. This fast-track, mixed-use development, located at the Kahului Civic Center, aims to provide 303 affordable rental units within a larger complex that includes a civic center, transit hub, and public spaces. The project is being developed by EAH Housing.
This move comes as Maui grapples with the ongoing need for affordable housing, a challenge heightened by factors such as rising property values and a limited housing supply. The Kaiahale ‘o Kahiluhilu project is designed to provide long-term affordable rentals, contributing to a more vibrant community. The project includes a transit hub, which opened in November 2024, and the affordable rental portion is situated on 3.4 acres of state-owned land at 153 West Kaʻahumanu Ave.
However, the approval wasn't without contention. Maui Now's report highlights that the project has sparked debate over water availability, with some council members questioning the prioritization of water resources for this project while other affordable housing projects in West Maui face similar challenges. The West Maui Council Member, Tamara Paltin, criticized the decision, calling it “disgusting”.
This fast-track approach streamlines the approval process, accelerating the delivery of much-needed housing units. Such projects are crucial for supporting Maui's workforce and ensuring economic stability. As demonstrated by EAH Housing, this development highlights the potential of public-private partnerships to create sustainable and accessible housing solutions. The project is a key component of a larger mixed-use development. This is a direct effort to incorporate affordable housing to support a vibrant community within the Kahului Civic Center.
With the council's approval, Kaiahale ‘o Kahiluhilu is poised to become a model for future affordable housing initiatives in Maui, helping to meet the growing demand for affordable living options. The project is a crucial step towards addressing the affordable housing shortage in response to the Maui Wildfires.
