The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all of the County of Hawaiʻi’s 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 as Housing Administrator, Kehau worked for the County of Hawai‘i as a Housing Planning Specialist and Division Manager of the Office of Housing and Community Development Existing Housing Division, which administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program. Additionally, Kehau’s extensive experience spans non-profit management, education, and federal, state and local legislative housing policy advocacy.

Born in Pohnpei, Micronesia, Kehau at the age of 2 returned to Pupukea, Oʻahu, where she grew up. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Kehau resides in Hilo.

Assistant Housing Administrator: Keiko M. Mercado

With her many years of experience in County government, Keiko Mercado has dedicated her career to serving the people of Hawai'i Island and nurturing relationships between community and government.

Throughout her career, Keiko has learned that true leadership is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to serve our community. This commitment has shaped her approach to government work, driving a passion for creating solutions that directly benefit residents and strengthen the fabric of communities across Hawai’i Island.  

Before being appointed Assistant Housing Administrator, Keiko was a Housing and Community Development Specialist in the Office of Housing and Community Development's Community Engagement Division. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with the community to design, implement, and manage programs that ensure equitable access to services and opportunities, ultimately empowering residents to become less reliant on government assistance.

Born in Hilo, Keiko grew up in Volcano. A graduate of Waiākea High School and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Keiko resides in Volcano.

Private Secretary to Housing Administrator: Tammy Kaniho

Tammy Kaniho and administrative/clerical staff can be reached in our Hilo office.

Office of Housing & Community Development
1990 Kino‘ole Street, Suite 102
Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Tel: (808) 961-8379
Fax: (808) 961-8685
Email: ohcd@hawaiicounty.gov

Housing & Community Development Divisions

Existing Housing (Section 8)

Acting Division Manager: Jade Iokepa

Existing Housing Assistance Programs maximizes the use of existing housing stock within the County of Hawaiʻi by offering expanded opportunities for low-income households for rental assistance and self-sufficiency programs. More information and resources can be found in the Housing Assistance (Section 8) pages.

Grants Management

Division Manager: Royce Shiroma

Grants & Funding provide for maximum community development opportunities through the use of funds from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other appropriate grants and programs. General inquiries regarding Grants Management activities such as Funding Opportunities should be directed to Royce Shiroma at (808) 961-8379 or by email at ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov.

Community Development

Division Manager: Anne Bailey

General inquiries regarding Community Development such as new affordable housing, or maintenance to existing housing facilities should be directed to the Kona office at (808) 323-4300. More information and resources can be found in the Development & Preservation pages. Fair Housing inquiries can be directed to (808) 323-4300 or fairhousing@hawaiicounty.gov.

Community Engagement

Division Manager:

Community Engagement activities such as homeless coordination efforts, Financial Empowerment Services, Emergency rental assistance or other related programs should be directed to (808) 961-8379 or by email at ohcdengagement@hawaiicounty.gov.

Accounting/HR

Division Manager: Sharon Espejo

Provides accounting and human resources support for all divisions at OHCD. Accounting staff can be reached at the Hilo office by email at ohcdacct@hawaiicounty.gov or phone at (808) 961-8379.