Saturday, June 08, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs June 8, 2024

Miranda's Farms whose family member Maria Miranda brought in many sponsorships for Ka'u Coffee Festival, also drew a
 throng of people to taste the brew at Saturday's Kaʻū Coffee Festival. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL DREW SOME 5,000 PEOPLE on Saturday, according to some of its organizers. The first since the pandemic, the festival showcased Kaʻū Coffee, its farmers and community supporters and provided a full day of entertainment and opportunity for people to present arts, crafts and foods at Pāhala Community Center. See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

A SESSION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING to be held in Pāhala is announced by County of Hawai'i Office of Housing & Community Development as it starts public meetings to gather community input for the development of the islandwide 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. Pāhala has a high home ownership rate, higher than the state average, driven by the success of Kaʻū Coffee farms and other enterprise by the local community. However, housing prices are soaring and people from afar are buying up homes for cash with no contingencies, making it harder for locals with pre-approved mortgages from financial institutions to buy in the town where they grew up.
    The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. People who cannot come because they work on weekdays can see the Office of Housing website to explore ways to submit their ideas and testimony regarding affordable housing. www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov.
The meeting is designed for input for the entire Kaʻū District and beyond. Other meetings will be held in Hilo, Kona and Pahoa.
    The Consolidated Plan developed by County Housing serves as a blueprint to help ensure that communities receiving federal U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development assistance to address housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families. It aims to enhance the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing within suitable living environments.
Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee 'ohana, with is successful business shown at Saturday's
Kaʻū Coffee Festival, has one home ownership for family members
 but faces, like other farmers, the affordability crisis for the next generation.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg
    The County of Hawaiʻi's CP will outline the needs, priorities, funding plans, and program certification requirements over the five-year period between 2025 and 2029. Submission of the CP to HUD is required for the County of Hawaiʻi to receive its annual Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant allocations. Similarly, the State relies on the CP to obtain its annual HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing for Persons with AIDS, and National Housing Trust Fund allocations.
   To meet federal requirements and the County of Hawaiʻi's Citizen Participation Plan, a series of public meetings will be conducted at various locations and times on Hawaiʻi Island. These meetings offer an opportunity for engagement with diverse communities to solicit views and comments on goals and priorities related to housing, community development, and homelessness for the upcoming five years.
   "Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Join us in these public meetings to ensure that every perspective is heard and every need is addressed," said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. "Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island.
    For more information about the public meetings and the Consolidated Plan, please contact the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development at (808) 961-8379.
    The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the planning, administration, and operation of all County of Hawai'i housing programs. Its statement says, "Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities.
    More information on the Office of Housing and Community Development and its programs can be found online at www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov. To receive news alerts and OHCD's quarterly newsletter, click here. Also connect with OHCD on Facebook and Instagram

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.