DHHL outlines three West Hawaii projects and expanded housing options for beneficiaries

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands opened an orientation for West Hawaii beneficiaries to present three upcoming projects and explain how applicants will be invited to lease awards. Chair Watson described Palama Nui (about 132 units), Laiopua (two villages totaling roughly 112 units) and Laulani Loa in Waimea as the primary projects to be developed in the coming years.

Watson said the department is pursuing a variety of housing types and locations so beneficiaries can choose what best fits their needs. "We already did introduction Pule... we have three areas, Palama Nui, where we're going to do about 132 units," he told attendees. He described Palama Nui as part of a larger master plan with recreational and commercial components on a 720-acre site located across from the airport. The presentation emphasized that project leases will provide beneficiaries with a palapala and multiple paths to homeownership, including turnkey units, owner-builder lots, self-help (sweat equity) and rent-with-option-to-purchase arrangements.

The orientation also outlined timing: some Palama Nui phases are expected within three to five years; Laiopua openings followed completion and reallocation of earlier-awarded lots; and Laulani Loa will proceed in phases with infrastructure work and a multi-year timeline. Attendees were encouraged to review project maps and materials posted on the DHHL awards web page.