Kalanianaole Development Proposal for DHHL Partnership at Palamanui

Kalanianaole Development is excited to present an innovative project centered on the generous donation of 18 acres within the master-planned community of Palamanui by its owner, Nan Chul Shin. This initiative addresses the urgent need for affordable housing solutions for Hawai‘i Island residential applicants.

Palamanui, a 725-acre master-planned, mixed-use development located in North Kona on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, offers a unique opportunity for sustainable community growth. Situated near the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, just six miles from Kailua-Kona town, and adjacent to the new University of Hawai‘i-West Hawai‘i campus, Palamanui’s strategic location makes it an ideal setting for this visionary project.

This development seamlessly integrates residential and commercial spaces within a smart growth plan centered around a vibrant college campus. The project represents a groundbreaking opportunity for DHHL to join a thriving master-planned community, setting a new benchmark in sustainable development and community building in Hawai‘i.

Addressing DHHL’s Goals for Beneficiaries
Kalanianaole Development’s proposal aligns with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' (DHHL) mission and prioritizes applicants earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This demographic often faces significant challenges in accessing homestead opportunities and securing their place on the land.

The project incorporates two key programs:

• Lease with an Option to Purchase

• Affordable Rentals

These programs, established pathways within DHHL, provide essential steps toward homestead lease awards for eligible beneficiaries. By offering these options, the project seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have been historically marginalized.

Project Proposal Overview
This innovative project includes:

• 40 single-family lots

• 28 kupuna (elderly) rental units

• 64 affordable rental units

Affordable rental units are vital for individuals and families in transition, helping them work toward obtaining a homestead award. The project anticipates readiness for 30 Single-Family Rent-to-Own units in time for the 2025 funding round application, with all necessary building and grading permits in place, ensuring a shovel-ready status.

This expedited timeline enables DHHL to award homestead leases as early as 2025 or 2026, providing swift and meaningful progress for beneficiaries. Additionally, the project will utilize DHHL’s 5-prototype model designs to ensure efficient and effective delivery.