KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – A site blessing was held on Wednesday at the construction site for what will soon be a 170 units of affordable family and senior housing in Kona.

Kamakana Villages at Keahuolu is a master-planned community developed in partnership between the State of Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and master-developer Forest City Hawaii Kona. Michaels Development Company is the affordable housing sub-developer to Forest City Hawaii Kona. Construction on the $52 million affordable housing projects in the community is already underway.

Governor David Ige joined county officials and developers for the ceremony, conducted by Kahu Danny Akaka, Jr.

Kamakana Family Phase 1

Hale Makana ‘Ohana image courtesy brochure from the Michaels Organization.

Developers say Hale Makana ‘Ohana has 85-units, with 4-units at 60% AMI, 60-units at 50% AMI and 20-units with Project Based Section 8, which allows qualified households to pay 30% of their income for rent.

Developers say there will be five residential buildings that are three-story walk-ups with 50 one-bedroom and 35 two-bedroom units. Additionally, there will be a single-story community center building to accommodate social service, leasing and management offices, along with a laundry facility, to serve as a central gathering area for residents to socialize.

Kamakana Senior

Hale Makana ‘O Kupuna image courtesy brochure from the Michaels Organization.

Hale Makana ‘O Kupuna has 85-units, with 17-units at 60% AMI, 51-units at 50% AMI, 2-units at 30% AMI and 15-units with Project Based Section 8, which allows qualified seniors to pay 30% of their income for rent.

Developers say there will be five residential buildings, including elevator access and laundry on each floor, with 80 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom units. Additionally, there will be a single-story community center building to accommodate social service, leasing and management offices to serve as a central gathering area for residents to socialize.