The Hawaiian Community Development Board (HCDB) is an all-Native Hawaiian-owned nonprofit development firm which specialize to create community affordable housing. Founded in 2000, HCDB's seven-member Board of Directors are all Native Hawaiians. Currently, HCDB is working on two projects in Halawa and Maili, as well as a kupuna project in Papakolea. Its Hale Makana O Nanakuli rental project in Nanakuli was completed in 2013.

 

During the late 1990s, HCDB worked with the Department of Hawaiian Homes and Lands (DHHL) to develop affordable rental housing for the homeless. This included the construction of a 48-unit, low-income, rent-to-own apartment complex in Nanakuli. Hale Makana O Nanakuli is a pilot project that demonstrated the successful implementation of an affordable housing project on DHHL land. Several units are built to last, including high-end finishes and solid wood cabinetry. All of the units are 550 to 1,100 square feet and are designed for households at or below 30-60% of the area median income. Other amenities included a community library, laundry facility, resource center, and a cultural center.

 

HCDB's current Hale Makana O Maili project is similar to Hale Makana O Nanakuli. Although the 48-unit Hale Makana O Nanakuli was the first project on DHHL land, the Hale Makana O Maili is an ongoing effort to build affordable rental housing on DHHL lands. As with the Nanakuli project, the Hale Makana O Maili project will feature multi-purpose rooms, a resource center, a library, and other commercial and residential facilities. In addition, the project will include a health and medical center.

 

Barbee and Watson agree that affordable rental housing is the key to addressing the housing crisis in the Hawaiian community. Their strategy for solving the issue is to work with OHA to increase the number of affordable rental units throughout the state. Through a variety of programs, Barbee and Watson have secured tens of millions of dollars to fund affordable rental housing developments for Native Hawaiians. They also have developed a revolving down payment loan fund to make affordable housing more accessible to Hawaiian families.

 

HCDB currently has projects underway in Halawa and Kapolei and has been approved to start development in Moiliili for a 105-unit kupuna project. The Board is also negotiating a kupuna project in Papakolea. Ultimately, HCDB will turn the transitional shelter into 40 two-bed/two-bath 900-square-foot units.

 

Barbee and Watson have been particularly proud of the 48-unit Hale Makana Or Nanakuli project. The project was developed in response to the lack of affordable housing options in the local community. These units are constructed to last and feature high-end finishes, including laminate wood flooring and solid wood cabinetry. Each unit is 550 to 1,100 square feet and includes one, two, or three-bedroom units. Located on just under two acres of DHHL lands, the Hale Makana O Nanakuli will be completed in April and will serve as a model for future housing developments on DHHL lands.

 

Aside from Hale Makana O Nanakuli, HCDB is developing affordable rental housing in Halawa, Kewalo, and Maili. 'Ikenakea Housing Partnership, a new collaboration between 3 Leaf and HCDB, will focus on creating quality, affordable residences for low-income residents.

Check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_development_planning for a more and better understanding of this topic.