Mayor Wright Rebuild: $333 Million Phase Starts in Kalihi

Honolulu officials marked the start of the largest public housing redevelopment in the state's history on Thursday, breaking ground on the first phase of the Mayor Wright Homes project.

The site, a 15-acre parcel in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood bounded by King Street, Liliha Street, and Vineyard Boulevard, is being redeveloped by the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority and developer Highridge Costa. The existing complex, which is nearly 75 years old, will be replaced by a new development featuring 10 towers.

Hakim Ouansafi, executive director of the housing authority, stated that the project represents a shift away from traditional housing models. "It's not simply about breaking ground. It is about breaking barriers," he said. The new development will contain more than 2,400 rental homes, which is seven times the capacity of the current site. Units will range from studios to five-bedroom apartments, with additional condominiums and commercial space.

Income restrictions will apply to the majority of the units. More than half of the housing stock is reserved for tenants earning less than 80% of the area median income. Later phases of the project will extend eligibility to households earning up to 100% of the area median income, a threshold of roughly $150,000 annually for a family of four. Current residents displaced by the construction are being relocated and hold priority rights to return to the new complex.

Governor Josh Green characterized the project as a central component of the state's housing strategy. "Housing provides health," he said, noting that stable housing allows residents to focus on education and health care. Moe Mohanna, president of Highridge Costa, described the initiative as a legacy for the state.

The housing authority estimates the cost of Phase 1A at $333 million. The state's 2017 estimate for the entire project stands at $1.3 billion. The design includes four acres of public parks and places the complex within walking distance of the planned Iwilei rail station. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi linked the project to the arrival of the Skyline rail line.

The first building is scheduled to open in 2029. The full redevelopment is expected to take 15 years to complete.