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

Tiger Fun Day at Panaʻewa Zoo Set for July 11

Post Date:06/23/2026 9:16 AM

The County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation and the Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo invite the community to “Tiger Fun Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.

The annual event, which includes free admission to the zoo for residents and nonresidents, celebrates the birthdays of the zoo’s beloved Bengal tigers, Tzatziki and Sriracha.

Highlights of the day include games, activities, face painting, food vendors, education opportunities, and the tigers’ “birthday party” where they receive special treats.

“We are so excited to invite the community out to celebrate the tigers' 11th birthday,” said Zoo Administrator Mindy Runnells. “Tiger Fun Day is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a day of discovery and activities and learn more about our incredible animals.”

The event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo, a nonprofit organization that supports the zoo and its animals.

See below for additional details:

Zoo passports go on sale starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants can earn their Junior Zookeeper badge as they discover, learn and have their passport stamped at various stations around the zoo.
The tigers’ birthday party is at 10:30 a.m.
Shuttle service will be available from the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center parking lot.

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rainforest environment. The zoo also features special amenities such as a playground, pavilions, a gift shop and more.

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