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 sealThe 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 2026The 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 sealA 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 sealThe 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 HiloThe 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 sealThe 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 sealThe 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 Invites Nonprofits to Apply for PONC Stewardship Grants

Post Date:07/06/2026 2:00 PM
The County of Hawai‘i Department of Finance is seeking grant applications from qualified nonprofit organizations to support the maintenance and preservation of lands acquired through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program. 

The Stewardship Grants provide support for the public safety upkeep, resource management, and historical preservation of lands acquired by the County through PONC. The grant application process opens on Tuesday, July 7 and closes on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Grant Eligibility and Project Requirements 

In accordance with Article 10, Section 10-16(h) of the Hawai‘i County Charter, applicants must meet strict criteria to qualify for funding: 
• Eligible Status: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or operate directly under the umbrella of a verified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. 
• Business Plan: Submissions must include a highly detailed project business plan.
• Reporting Agreement: Awardees must sign a formal agreement to submit written progress and financial reports within one year of receiving funds. 
• Term Limit: Grant awards are allocated for a fixed one-year period. 

Key Dates and Application Instructions 

The County has transitioned its application system to a streamlined online grant portal which will open on Tuesday, July 7. All applications must be completed within the new online grant portal. Interested parties can access resources and apply through the following timeline: 
• Informational Zoom Session: from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Registration is required. To secure a spot, or if you have questions about the new application process, email PONC@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8069. The registration link will be emailed to all registrants the day prior to the virtual meeting. 
• Final Application Deadline: Saturday, Aug. 15. Late digital submissions will not be accepted. 

All applications must be completed within the new online grant portal. A link to the grant portal will open on July 7 on the PONC webpage at www.openspace.hawaiicounty.gov/stewardship-grants.

About PONC

Under PONC, the County may acquire properties to preserve historically or culturally important sites, protect natural resources, and provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains.

Properties are nominated each year by the public, reviewed and ranked by the Commission, and recommended by the Mayor. Purchases require a willing seller and authorization by the County Council.
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