Seniors have begun moving into a new $62 million affordable housing community in Aiea, Hawaii.
Located on the former site of the Aiea Sugar Mill, Aloha Iā Halewilikō offers 83 studio and 56 one-bedroom apartments and a manager’s unit. Rents are set at affordable rates for households earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest residents to Aloha Iā Halewilikō,” said Laura Hall, CEO of EAH Housing. “This community reflects our mission to build more than just housing—we are creating a place where kūpuna can live independently with dignity, support, and connection.”
The development is the latest by the nonprofit, which manages 23 properties with more than 2,700 units across Hawaii and has three additional affordable housing developments underway.
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood adjacent to a public library, Aloha Iā Halewilikō is part of the broader Aiea Town Center Master Plan and is located near public transportation, shops, and neighborhood services.
Aloha Iā Halewilikō boasts a multipurpose room, walking paths, fitness facilities, community gardens, and digital literacy programs. Lanakila Pacific, a local nonprofit partner, will provide on-site services, including Meals on Wheels and wellness programming to support aging in place.
EAH assembled multiple sources of financing for the new community:
- $38.1 million in federal and state low-income housing tax credit and renewable energy tax credit equity from investor U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance;
- A $32.2 million construction loan from Bank of Hawaii;
- A $2.7 million taxable construction loan from Bank of Hawaii;
- A $4.5 million permanent loan from Bank of Hawaii;
- A $13.4 million soft loan from the state Rental Housing Revolving Fund; and
- A $6 million grant from the city and county of Honolulu.