| The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is hosting public hearings on Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 as it launches the planning process for its 2027 Action Plan.
The Action Plan describes how federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be used for Program Year 2027. Comments received will help identify priorities and shape how federal funding is invested to address local housing and community needs.
“These public hearings are an important part of the planning process, helping ensure that our programs have the greatest positive impact,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We encourage residents and local partners to share their experiences and ideas as we plan future investments that support housing stability and stronger communities across Hawaiʻi Island.”
Public Hearing Schedule
Virtual Public Hearing via Zoom
In-Person Public Hearing
- 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26
- 1990 Kinoʻole St., Conference Room 104, Hilo
Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 26 and may be submitted via mail to:
Kehaulani M. Costa
Office of Housing and Community Development
1990 Kinoʻole St., Suite 102
Hilo, HI 96720
Or by email to: ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov.
The County encourages participation from all residents. Anyone requiring language assistance, auxiliary aids, or other reasonable accommodation should contact OHCD at (808) 961-8379 at least 10 calendar days before the hearing.
In addition to accepting public input, OHCD will begin accepting proposals for projects to be considered for inclusion in the 2027 Annual Action Plan. Funding is anticipated through four federal programs:
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Approximately $2.6 million to support community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG): Approximately $250,000 to support emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and related supportive services.
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): Approximately $3 million to expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low- and very low-income households through partnerships among federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private entities.
- National Housing Trust Fund (HTF): Approximately $1.5 million to expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and very low-income households.
Funding amounts are estimates and remain subject to federal appropriations and program requirements.
Grant application materials, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions will be available beginning Sept. 1 at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16.
For more information, contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at (808) 961-8379.
### |
