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| Supporters waved Kimo Alameda Mahalo signs around the island this week after his win. |
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| New Managing Director Bill Brilhante |
Brilhante served as Human Resources Director and Nishimoto served as Public Works Deputy Director. Alameda said, “I am excited to welcome Bill Brilhante and Merrick Nishimoto to our leadership team. They have served under multiple County administrations and bring a wealth of experience from the public and private sectors. I know they will work tirelessly to bring positive change for the whole island.” Brilhante, an attorney who resides in Hilo, was County Human Resources Director from September 2017 until June 2021 after serving as Human Resources Deputy Director from November 2016. Born in Honoka'a, Brilhante previously served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County, was a Deputy Attorney General for State of Hawai'i, worked as a County Firefighter, and was Assistant Regional Counsel for the Social Security Administration in San Francisco.
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| New Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto |
Alameda beat incumbent Mitch Roth with about 55 percent of the vote and majorities in nearly every precinct across Hawai'i Island. In addition to making these appointments, he said he hit the ground running on Wednesday by returning emails from constituents and finalizing his 100-day plan.
Alameda and other elected County officials will be inaugurated on Dec. 2. Prior to the inauguration, he will select other members of his cabinet, including department directors who are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the County Council. These include the heads of the departments of Public Works; Environmental Management; Parks & Recreation; Planning; Research & Development; Office of Housing & Community Development; Finance; Information Technology; Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience; and Corporation Counsel.
Other department administrators are either civil servants, elected, such as the Prosecuting Attorney, or appointed by a commission. Alameda said that existing department directors and staff in the Mayor’s Office may also be considered for positions.
Anyone interested in applying for an appointed position is welcome to send a resume to connect@kimoformayor.com by Friday, Nov. 15.
MAYOR MITCH ROTH AND HIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDING on Friday, totaling over $13.2 million. He said that during his administration, which ends Dec.2, over $25 million has been awarded via the County's Affordable Housing Production Program. "We are taking vital steps to keep local families here on Hawaiʻi Island. This funding is an investment in our community's future, ensuring that our residents have access to safe and affordable housing. By providing these opportunities, we are not only preserving our unique way of life but also fostering a vibrant, sustainable community where families can thrive and grow."
County Housing Administrator Susan Kunz said, "We are thrilled to announce this significant investment in affordable housing across Hawaiʻi Island. This funding will not only help to construct new homes for those in need but also strengthen our communities by providing vital infrastructure and sustaining housing for low-income household. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward ensuring everyone has a safe and stable place to call home."
The four projects selected to receive funding were among 13 proposals that requested more than $48 million in funding. Award decisions were based on criteria such as project impact and delivery, need, applicant qualifications, readiness, and funding leverage.
The awarded organizations and their proposals are:
ORGANIZATION | PROJECT NAME | PROJECT TYPE | AMOUNT FUNDED | UNITS | AMI RANGE | AFFORD. PERIOD | COUNCIL DISTRICT |
Hawaiʻi Island Community Development Corporation dba Hale Ola O Mohouli LLLP | Hale Ola O Mohali | New Construction | $3,200,000 | 91 | 30% - 60% | 61 Years | 2 (Hilo) |
GSF LLC dba Kuakini Family Affordable I LP | Kuakini Family Affordable I | Acquisition, Plan & Design | $5,000,000 | 48 | 30% - 60% | 60 Years | 7 (Kona) |
Office of Housing | Kaiminani Subdivision | Infrastructure | $4,200,000 | 25 | 80% - 140% | 65 Years | 8 (North Kona) |
Office of Housing | Residential Repair Program | Financial Assistance | $875,000 | 17 | Up to 80% | 10 Years | Islandwide |
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| Totals: | $13,275,000 | 181 |
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The funding was made possible through Ordinance 22-77, passed by the Hawaiʻi County Council in June 2022, and signed into law by Mayor Mitch Roth. The law appropriates a minimum of $5 million per year to the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) to facilitate programs that support affordable housing production on Hawaiʻi Island. The resolution was forwarded with a favorable recommendation by the Finance Committee on Nov. 7, 2024. The resolution will next be heard by the full County Council for approval. The OHCD will then draft and execute contract agreements with the awardees for the release of funds.
The AHP Program's initial funding round (Fiscal Year 2023-24) combined two years of funding and provided $17.3 million to support, increase and sustain the supply of affordable housing on Hawaiʻi Island. The 2024-25 funding round includes $5.5 million reappropriated from the first funding round due to one of the selected projects being unable to proceed.
Click here to view the Annual Report that provides updates on the projects awarded funding in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 funding round.
For more information on the Affordable Housing Production Program, visit http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/ahp or email ohcd.ahp@hawaiicounty.gov.
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