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

Earthquake Informational Meeting Set for July 16

Post Date:07/14/2026 3:00 PM

The County of Hawaiʻi will host an informational community meeting Thursday evening to provide updates on recovery from the May 22 earthquake centered in South Kona.

The meeting will run from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at Sgt. Rodney J.T. Yano Memorial Hall, 82-6156 Mamalahoa Highway, in Captain Cook.

Officials from Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and other government and non-governmental partners will provide updated information on available resources for recovery, as well as efforts to obtain and make additional assistance available for residents and businesses.

Civil Defense received more than 540 reports of residential damage resulting from the 6.0-magnitude earthquake centered near Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo.

Teams of County, State and Federal inspectors visited 313 residences over several weeks to assess damage and document it to support applications for potential federal disaster assistance; 92 homes were classified as having sustained major damage and another 18 were classified as destroyed.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars in agricultural damage was documented, much of it the result of extensive damage to water systems in the area.

Residents who experienced damages or have other needs as a result of the earthquake may still report property damage or request assistance:

Report residential property damage by visiting bit.ly/CDDisasterRecovery or call (808) 935-0031. If additional assistance becomes available, people who have reported residential property damage will be notified about how to apply.
To report agricultural damage, call the USDA Farm Service Agency at (808) 933-8334.
If you have other needs, such as debris removal or shelter, use the linked form to complete a Request for Assistance with Vibrant Hawai‘i or call Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031.

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