Housing agency was amalgam of three others

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai'i was created in 1997, the result of a consolidation of three housing agencies.

The idea was part of Gov. Ben Cayetano's overall plan to reorganize and streamline the state government and save money. The new HCDCH was approved by the Legislature to address the housing needs of low-income families, singles, seniors, the disabled and the homeless.

Until 1997, those functions were handled by three agencies: the Hawai'i Housing Authority, Housing Finance and Development Corp., and the Rental Housing Trust Fund Commission. The HCDCH also assumed the housing functions of the Hawai'i Community Development Authority.

The HCDCH is run by a nine-member board, including representatives from the public who are appointed by the governor. An executive director provides the overall administration and management of the office.

HCDCH has assets valued at $1.5 billion. The agency also administers more than 5,000 units of federally subsidized housing and 1,170 state public housing units, as well as 4,363 units of federally subsidized rental units, according to 2000 data.

There are 418 personnel positions in the agency, 65 percent of which are in the property management and maintenance branch that manages federal and state public housing projects and related programs, according to the agency.

In 1999, HCDCH released a five-year strategic plan listing its goals as: "Rental and supportive housing, community revitalization, resident self-sufficiency, homeownership and the efficient and fair delivery of housing and supportive services."

Some of the properties under the HCDCH's management include Kalihi Valley Homes, Pu'uwai Momi in Halawa, Mayor Wright Homes, Kamehameha Homes, Kalakaua Homes, Kuhio Park Terrace, Ko'olau Village, and Waimanalo Homes.