Hawaii Launches 2,400-Unit Mixed-Income Complex at Mayor Wright Homes

The Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority and developer Highridge Costa formally broke ground on Thursday for the first phase of the Mayor Wright Homes redevelopment. This initiative represents the largest public housing transformation in the state’s history. The project targets a 15-acre parcel in the Kalihi-Palama district, located just outside central Honolulu.

Construction is set to replace a complex that has been in operation for nearly 75 years. The site is bounded by King Street, Liliha Street, and Vineyard Boulevard. The new development aims to serve a broader range of income levels rather than focusing exclusively on those with very low earnings. Organizers state the new structure will hold seven times the number of homes found in the current facility.

Hakim Ouansafi, the executive director of the housing authority, emphasized that the ceremony marks a shift in approach. He noted that the state must move beyond traditional methods to solve future housing challenges. Ouansafi stated, "It's not simply about breaking ground. It is about breaking barriers."

The design includes more than 2,400 new rental units spanning from studios to five-bedroom layouts. The development will also feature public housing, condominiums for sale, and commercial spaces. These components will be distributed across ten distinct towers.

A significant portion of the inventory is reserved for specific income brackets. More than half of the units are designated for households earning below 80% of the area median income. Later stages of the project will expand eligibility to those earning up to 100% of that figure. This threshold is approximately $150,000 annually for a family of four. Residents currently living in the complex who are displaced during construction will have priority status to return to their new units.

Governor Josh Green framed the project as a cornerstone of the state’s broader housing strategy. He argued that stable living conditions are essential for overall well-being, allowing residents to concentrate on education, food security, and health care. Green remarked, "Housing provides health."

Moe Mohanna, president of Highridge Costa Development Company, commended the state for undertaking an initiative of this magnitude. He described the effort as a long-term contribution to the community. Mohanna added, "What we are building here is a legacy."

Ouansafi stressed the importance of providing modern, safe housing in areas where poverty is not concentrated. He asserted that public housing should not be viewed as a lesser category. "Public housing should never mean second class housing," he said. The project also includes four acres of public parks and recreational areas. It is designed to be within a short walk of the planned Iwilei rail station.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi linked the construction to the upcoming Skyline rail line, describing the combination as a historic step for affordable housing. Phase 1A of the project carries an estimated cost of $333 million. The state’s 2017 projection for the entire development was $1.3 billion. The first building is slated to open in 2029, with the full redevelopment expected to conclude in 15 years. Additional details are available at mayorwrighthomes.com.