The Hale Na Koa ‘O Hanakahi development is a 92-unit brand new affordable senior living in Hilo for veterans, surviving spouses, and other income-qualified seniors.  The project is the residential component of a master planned, full service complex that also includes the future co-location of a veterans’ center and community-based outpatient clinic. The Hawai’i Island Veterans Memorial, Inc. (HIVM) will develop the clinic on an adjacent site. EAH’s housing development will serve senior households with a preference to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans. The senior community (62 years or older) will serve households earning from 30%-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The housing units are arranged within three (3) 24-plex two-story buildings and one (1) 20-plex two-story building. Onsite surface parking and four central laundry facilities will also be provided.

A central Community Center will include spaces for a common area lounge, coffee bar, fitness room, property management offices, and other amenities. The Center will also feature a multi-purpose room along with a (non-commercial) kitchen to provide space for larger tenant social and/or educational activities.

Construction starts: Summer 2022

To receive more information, please complete the form below or for assistance, please call (808) 439-6286.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi?It is 92 units of new affordable senior housing in Hilo for veterans, surviving spouses, and other income-qualified seniors.

   The name Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi refers to an ancient Chief of Hilo, evoking his legacy of peace and prosperity, and is intended to acknowledge our community partner, the Hawai‘i Island Veterans Memorial, Inc. (HIVM) which envisioned this project many years ago and desired to create a lasting legacy for senior veterans as they head into their golden years.

2. Who can apply to live at the Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi?To qualify for a unit, applicants and all household members must be aged 62 years or older, earning between 30%-80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi will serve senior households with a preference to veterans and surviving spouses of veterans. Veterans are defined as persons who served in the active military, naval or air service and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Surviving Spouses of Veterans are defined as [widows or widowers of Veterans]. We encourage all people to apply regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, and status with regard to public assistance, or physical disability.
3. How many units are there? What size are they? What will the range of rents be?
   There are 91one-bedroom units, approximately 546 square feet, plus a resident manager unit. The housing units will be served by elevators and arranged within three (3) 24-plex two-story buildings and one (1) 20-plex two-story building. Onsite surface parking and four central laundry facilities will also be provided. Rents are subject to change based on utility allowance adjustment and maximum allowable rents as established by HUD every year. Residents will pay for their own electricity use within their unit.
4. How do you define low income?
   There are specific qualifying income guidelines imposed on our projects due to the financing we use to develop the project. Maximum household income will be based on the published Hawai‘i County area median income for those targeted incomes groups. These income guidelines are published annually and subject to change yearly.
   You must be willing to submit income information annually and the unit must be your only residence.
5. How is income determined?
   Annual income is determined by calculating the total income from all sources received by all household members, exclusive of certain types of income. A list of excluded income will be provided. If self-employed, we will use Schedule C and use your net income after business expenses. If employed, your annual gross income and most recent six consecutive check stubs will be used to determine current income. Gross income from employment must be included and verified via employer, with copies of pay stubs and/or a W-2 and tax return.
6. What about assets, pensions, spousal and child support, homeownership, temporary income, disability income, Section 8 Vouchers and student financial aid?
   All income from assets is added as part of the household annual income. Income also includes any disability, SSI, child support payments, student financial aid, etc. Applicants who own real estate may also qualify. Net income generated from the real estate asset is added to the household gross income to determine eligibility. Persons with Section 8 vouchers are encouraged to apply.
7. How do student loans, bankruptcies and credit ratings effect qualification?Credit checks are completed to verify applicants’ credit and establish a history of past credit problems.
8. Do Hawaii residents get priority?
   No. The State of Hawaii requires the use of a lottery system to establish the processing order of applicants. The lottery system does not preference Hawaii residents and there are no units set aside specifically for Hawaii residents. Preferences will apply to Veterans and surviving spouses of Veterans.
9. How is household defined?
   A household can consist of one or more persons. Maximum occupancy for the one-bedroom units is limited to three (3) persons. Members do not need to be related to be considered a household. All household member must be 62 years of age or older to apply. Each adult in the household must supply qualifying information. One application is accepted per household. The total household income must fall below the maximum income limit.
10. Can I sublet my unit?
    No, subletting or Airbnb is not allowed in the LIHTC/HOME program.
11. What about insurance?
    Residents are strongly encouraged to carry renter’s insurance.
12. What will be provided in my apartment?
    Your new home at Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi will have all the amenities of a residential unit built to code. It will include bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. Any modifications to your unit must meet fire and safety codes and be approved by management in writing prior to those modifications being installed. Accessibility features: five (5) units will be designed with mobility features and two (2) units will be accessible with communication features. All other units are considered adaptable.
13. Who will manage the property?
    EAH Housing Real Estate Management will oversee general operations and maintenance of the property.
14. When will units be available?
    Construction is anticipated to begin Summer of 2022