Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 23, 2023

 

DHHL breaks ground on Hanapēpē Phase II

The development will bring 82 residential lots to the area

 

(HANAPĒPĒ, KAUA‘I) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) conducted a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of construction at Hanapēpē Phase II on Kauaʻi’s west side.

Eighty-two single-family residential lots will be developed across more than 28-acres as part of Phase II. The homestead’s existing subdivision, Phase I, consists of 47 residential lots. Both phases are part of a nearly 350-acre parcel identified as one of three priority areas for new residential and agricultural homestead developments on the Garden Isle.

“This project ensures that more of our ‘ohana will weave their stories into the tapestry of this cherished community,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chair Kali Watson. “Each plot of land here is not merely a piece of earth; it’s a testament to hope, growth, and a brighter future for our homesteading families. As families settle here, they don’t just receive a house; they become part of a home brimming with laughter, love, and memories that will stand the test of time.”

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature appropriated $17,800,126 through SLH 2022, Act 279 for the construction of infrastructure and site improvements at Hanapēpē Phase II. Act 279 appropriates $600 million in general funds to provide a multi­-pronged approach to reduce the DHHL Waiting List.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company will begin work on the project in September and is slated to complete the job in November of 2024.

“We commend the Hawai‘i State Legislature and DHHL for investing in West Kaua‘i, which will ultimately provide hundreds of homes for families,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “Housing is a top priority for our administration, and we remain on track to break ground on 400 new affordable housing units this year, including development on the Westside at Lima Ola in ‘Ele‘ele.”

The Hanapēpē homestead community is envisioned as the Department’s largest residential and agricultural community on Kauaʻi. The site includes some of the most fertile agricultural lands within DHHL’s holdings and its location near Hanapēpē town makes it an attractive location for homestead development.

Upon the proposed project completion, the Hanapēpē Homestead Community is planned to put forward a total of 440 new residential lots and up to 111 new subsistence-agricultural lots based on Waiting List preference and estimated development costs. Commerical and community spaces, as well as undeveloped and conservation lands are included in the master plan.

Beneficiary consultations continue throughout the project’s development to identify and refine community use, undeveloped lands, and commercial use areas. DHHL published its final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the subsequent phases of the Hanapēpē Homestead Community in November 2020.

CLICK HERE FOR VISUALS FROM TODAY’S EVENT.

 

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About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands: 

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921 with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of more than 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading. 

Media Contact:

Diamond Badajos

Information and Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Cell: (808) 342-0873

[email protected]