Media Releases

This page provides the most recent news and announcements from the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD). Updates may include housing program announcements, funding opportunities, project milestones, community meetings, and other important information related to housing on Hawaiʻi Island.

Select any news item below to read the full announcement.

County Begins 2027 HUD Grant Planning Process, Announces Public Hearings

Official County of Hawaii seal The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is launching the planning process for the County’s 2027 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant programs.Click here to learn more.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program Savings Challenge Pays Off for Hawaiʻi Island Families

FSS Savings Challenge 2026 The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) distributed one-time savings match payments to participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Sponsored Savings Program following completion of a six-month savings challenge. Click here to learn more.

Audit Follow-Up Recognizes Improvements to Affordable Housing Credit Program

Official County of Hawaii seal A follow-up review of the County of Hawaiʻi’s Affordable Housing Credit program recognizes significant progress made by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to strengthen accountability, transparency and oversight. Click here to learn more.

County of Hawaiʻi Issues RFP for West Hawaiʻi Cot Sleeping Program

Official County of Hawaii seal The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish an emergency cot sleeping program in West Hawaiʻi. The RFP is part of ongoing efforts to expand emergency shelter capacity and respond to community needs related to homelessness. Click here to learn more.

Nā Hale Makoa, a New Affordable Workforce Rental Housing Community, is Dedicated in Waikoloa Village

Kumu Keala Ching performs a blessing during the dedication ceremony for Nā Hale Makoa in Waikoloa Village. Nā Hale Makoa, a 140-unit affordable workforce rental housing community in Waikoloa Village, was dedicated today with a traditional maile lei untying ceremony led by Kumu Keala Ching. The new community, located at 68-3491 Iwikuamo‘o Drive, fills the strong demand for affordable housing for those working in the Waikoloa area. Click here to learn more.

Old Hilo Memorial Hospital Renovations Begin

This photo shows the front and entry to the old Hilo Memorial Hospital at 34 Rainbow Drive in Hilo The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) has begun the first phase of renovations at the former Hilo Memorial Hospital, advancing plans to establish a coordinated resource hub focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness, behavioral health, and wraparound services. The project is located at 34 Rainbow Dr. in Hilo. Click here to learn more.

County of Hawaiʻi Awards $6 Million Through Homelessness and Housing Fund

Official County of Hawaii seal The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development (OHCD) will distribute $6 million in Homelessness and Housing Fund (HHF) grants to 12 projects run by eight nonprofit agencies. The awards support outreach, long-term housing, and critical supportive services across Hawaiʻi Island. One organization is receiving HHF funding for the first time. Click here to learn more.

County of Hawaiʻi Announces Affordable Housing Production (AHP) Program Grants

Official County of Hawaii seal The County of Hawaiʻi will be distributing $11.8 million in Affordable Housing Production (AHP) Program funds to six projects across Hawaiʻi Island. Together these projects impact more than 360 units through acquisition, construction, and financial programs for cesspool conversions, renovations, and downpayment assistance to support homeownership. Click here to learn more.

Countywide News

Hawaiʻi County, Black Sand Beach LLC Provide an Update on Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park

Post Date:06/19/2026 3:40 PM

The County of Hawai’i and Black Sand Beach LLC announce that they have agreed to extend the lease for Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park until Sept. 1, 2026, to continue ongoing discussions regarding the future of the park.

“Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park has a long, rich history of supporting the Kaʻū community, having hosted generations of birthdays, graduation parties, family reunions, celebrations of life, and annual events,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda.

“Since taking office, my administration has engaged with the landowner to reach an agreement that preserves and perpetuates public access in this unique and special part of our island. As negotiations continue, we are hopeful that we can find a resolution that works for the long-term benefit of everyone, especially our community.”

Since at least 1954, the County has leased the park site, currently owned by Black Sand Beach LLC, from private landowners to provide recreational opportunities and shoreline access.

The extension of the lease by two months allows both parties to continue to work toward a mutually beneficial arrangement that best serves the community, residents, and visitors.

“Black Sand Beach LLC remains committed to preserving and enhancing Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park as an important cultural, recreational, and community asset. The company appreciates the continued engagement of the County and recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving a positive outcome,” Black Sand Beach LLC stated.

The current lease was executed in 1998 for $1 between SM Investments and the County. It covers about 6.8 acres, including parking, pavilions, bathrooms, and campgrounds.

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