About Us

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all housing programs. Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities.

Housing Administrator: Kehaulani M. Costa

Kehaulani "Kehau" Costa is the current Housing Administrator for the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development.

Before assuming her role, Kehau worked for the County of Hawaiʻi as a Housing Planning Specialist and Division Manager of the Existing Housing Division, which administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. Her experience also includes nonprofit management, education, and housing policy advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels.

Born in Pohnpei, Micronesia, Kehau moved to Pupukea, Oʻahu at age 2, where she was raised. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and currently resides in Hilo.

Assistant Housing Administrator: Keiko M. Mercado

Keiko Mercado has dedicated her career to public service, working to strengthen relationships between government and community across Hawaiʻi Island.

Her leadership is grounded in a strong sense of responsibility to serve residents and develop solutions that improve community well-being. She previously served as a Housing and Community Development Specialist in the Community Engagement Division, where she helped design and implement programs that expand access to services and opportunities.

Born in Hilo and raised in Volcano, Keiko is a graduate of Waiākea High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. She currently resides in Volcano.

Private Secretary to Housing Administrator

Tammy Kaniho and administrative staff can be reached at the Hilo office:

Office of Housing and Community Development Divisions

Existing Housing (Section 8)

Acting Division Manager: Jade Iokepa

This division maximizes the use of existing housing stock by providing rental assistance and self-sufficiency programs for low-income households. Learn more about Housing Assistance (Section 8).

Grants Management

Division Manager: Royce Shiroma

This division administers funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other sources to support community development. For inquiries, call (808) 961-8379 or email ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov.

Community Development

Division Manager: Anne Bailey

Handles affordable housing development and preservation. Contact the Kona office at (808) 323-4300. Learn more about Development andPreservation.

Fair Housing inquiries: Call (808) 323-4300 or email fairhousing@hawaiicounty.gov.

Community Engagement

This division leads homeless coordination, financial empowerment services, and emergency rental assistance programs.

Contact: Call (808) 961-8379 or email ohcdengagement@hawaiicounty.gov.

Accounting / Human Resources

Division Manager: Sharon Espejo

Provides accounting and HR support for all divisions. Contact: Email ohcdacct@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8379.