Hakim Ouansafi: Mayor Wright Rebuild Is About Breaking Barriers

Residents in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood will see a 15-acre site near downtown Honolulu transformed over the next 15 years. The first phase of the Mayor Wright Homes redevelopment began on Thursday with a groundbreaking ceremony. State officials and community leaders marked the start of construction for what is described as the largest public housing project in Hawaii's history.

The Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority and developer Highridge Costa are replacing a complex that has stood for nearly 75 years. The site is bounded by King Street, Liliha Street and Vineyard Boulevard. The new development will contain more than 2,400 rental homes, which is seven times the current capacity. These units will range from studios to five-bedroom apartments and will be spread across 10 towers.

The project will serve a mix of income levels rather than only very low-income residents. More than half of the units are reserved for tenants earning less than 80% of the area median income. Later phases will include homes for households earning up to 100% of that median, roughly $150,000 a year for a family of four. Current residents displaced by construction are being relocated and hold priority to return to the new buildings.

Hakim Ouansafi, executive director of the housing authority, stated that the ceremony represents more than a symbolic start. He said, "It is about breaking barriers." Ouansafi emphasized that public housing should not mean second-class housing. He wants safe, modern homes in communities where poverty is not concentrated. The development will also include four acres of public parks and recreational space.

The housing authority estimates the cost of Phase 1A at $333 million. The state originally estimated the total cost of the entire project at $1.3 billion in 2017. The design places the site within walking distance of the planned Iwilei rail station. Gov. Josh Green called the project central to the state's housing strategy, noting that stable housing allows people to focus on education and health.

Moe Mohanna, president of Highridge Costa Development Company, described the initiative as a legacy for the state. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi linked the build to the arrival of the Skyline rail line. The first building is scheduled to open in 2029. The full redevelopment is expected to be completed in 15 years.