There are 83 Community Development Corporations (CDCs) in Hawaii. These organizations have assets of $19 million and account for approximately 53.8% of all nonprofit revenue in the state. The 'Ikenakea Housing Partnership is a joint venture that develops affordable housing in Hawaii. It combines the Hawaiian Community Development Board and 3 Leaf Enterprises to create new housing opportunities for low-income and depressed communities. 'Ikenakea' is Hawaiian for "Ike's a good place to live."

 

One of the largest CDCs in the state is the Homestead Community Development Corporation (HCDB). HCDB is a Native Hawaiian-owned and operated development firm specializing in affordable rental housing for low-income families. They are currently working on a $62 million highrise project in Kapolei, as well as a 105-unit kupuna project in Moiliili, and two towers in Halawa.

 

A development vision is to develop affordable housing and provide essential community services to the residents of Hawaii's native Hawaiian community. Their mission is aided by a seven-member board of directors made up of a majority of beneficiaries from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. In addition to developing affordable housing, the CDC also engages in community planning, business training, and economic development.

 

The Hawaiian Community Development Board's (HCDB) Hale Makana O Nanakuli is a multi-family, affordable rental housing project. This project is part of a larger, planned "village center" in the town of Nanakuli on the island of Oahu. This mixed-use development includes a cultural learning center, community health clinics, and commercial retail spaces. It also demonstrates a successful "working model" for future housing developments on DHHL land.

 

Hale Makana O Nanakuli was a response to a community need and is a small "miracle" in itself. Several years ago, the homestead area of Nanakuli was a dilapidated community with an over-crowded population. HCDB seized upon this opportunity to provide affordable rental housing to the needy. Units range in size from 550 to 1,100 square feet and include laminate wood flooring, solid wood cabinetry, and high-end finishes.

 

Hale Makana O Maili is another HCDB multi-family, affordable rental housing project. Similar in size and design to Hale Makana O Nanakuli, this project is located on just over two acres of land. In addition to housing, it will feature laundry facilities, a library, and a resource center.

 

Another HCDB project that is worth mentioning is the Ulu Ke Kukui. This kupuna project is located on DHHL lands in Maili. Unlike the Nanakuli Village Center, this project will have fewer total units and include a library, computer center, and multi-purpose rooms.

 

A vision for the people entails the development in a world where profits are the name of the game. The 'Ikenakea housing partnership is an excellent example of this. By combining the three major housing programs (Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaiian Homelands, and the 'Ike's a Good Place to Live) the CDC is symbolically demonstrating its commitment to the goals of a thriving community. The Hawaiian community is fortunate to have these community development entities specializing in a wide range of affordable housing and related programs.

Keep reading on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_development and most importantly, convert your knowledge into action, otherwise it remains a source of untapped energy as well as wasted potential.