First phase of massive Hawaii housing rebuild begins

The first physical work on the Mayor Wright Homes redevelopment began on Thursday. State officials and community leaders gathered in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood to mark the start of the initial construction phase.

The project replaces a complex that has stood for nearly 75 years. The site covers 15 acres and is bounded by King Street, Liliha Street, and Vineyard Boulevard. The Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority and developer Highridge Costa are leading the effort to replace the aging structure.

Planners describe the new development as a sevenfold expansion of the current housing stock. The full project will include more than 2,400 rental units ranging from studios to five-bedroom homes. These units will be distributed across ten towers. The plan also includes public housing units, condominiums for sale, and commercial space. A mix of income levels will be served, rather than only very low-income residents.

The cost for Phase 1A is estimated at $333 million. The state originally estimated the total cost of the entire project at $1.3 billion in 2017. More than half of the new units will be reserved for tenants earning less than 80% of the area median income. Later phases will extend to households earning up to 100% of that figure, which is approximately $150,000 annually for a family of four.

Hakim Ouansafi, executive director of the housing authority, stated that the project aims to break barriers rather than just break ground. He noted that the state cannot address future housing needs using past approaches. Governor Josh Green called the project central to the state's housing strategy. He said that stable housing allows people to focus on education, food security, and health care. Moe Mohanna, president of Highridge Costa Development Company, described the initiative as a legacy for the state.

Current residents who are displaced by the construction are being relocated and have priority to return to the new units. The development will also include four acres of public parks and recreational space. It is designed to be 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.