Project Summary

The ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing project envisions a variety of affordable homes — including single-family and multi-family units — on a 60.59-acre County of Hawaiʻi-owned parcel near Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo. 

The project is currently proposed to be built in phases to accommodate timing of funding and housing demand. Phase 1 would include construction of up to 82 townhomes and 28 flats (110 residential units), and Phase 2 would include up to 34 single-family units. The total number of units would be up to 144 at final build-out.

The target population for the project is Hilo’s workforce population (typically teachers, nurses, fire and/or police department employees or staff, and county employees), professional services (scientists, engineers, health care, and information technology employees), and skilled trades personnel (construction, utilities, and manufacturing employees). Units are estimated to be in the price range from approximately $363,100 to $635,500 (County of Hawaiʻi, 2025).

Project Status

The Office of Housing and Community Development contracted with an engineering firm to conduct a design and feasibility study and a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) published on October 8, 2025, in The Environmental Notice. 

The draft EA analyzes potential impacts from the project to the physical environment, socioeconomics, cultural practices and sites, historic and archaeological resources, and infrastructure. The document describes potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to these resources, and identifies potential protection and mitigation measures that should be implemented to minimize or avoid potential impacts.

The publication of the draft EA also kicked off a 30-day public review and comment period that closes November 7, 2025. In addition, the Office of Housing and Community Development held an open house to gather comments and feedback from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2025, at the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., in Hilo.

Following the comment period, a final Environmental Assessment, which includes responses to the public comments, and a notice of determination of significant impact will be published in The Environmental Notice. 

Additional Resources

• Draft Environmental Assessment for 'Āinakō  Subdivision Housing Project (published October 8, 2025)
• ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project – Draft Environmental Assessment Letter
• ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project Community Meeting Announced (media release issued 10/14/2025)