The recent islandwide educational housing fairs, presented by the county and the Kaua'i Affordable Housing and Traffic Coalition, drew almost 500 people.

The fairs were aimed at first-time homebuyers and renters, and provided classes on managing money, credit, mortgages and more.

"Our goal was to let people know about the affordable housing projects that are coming down the pike and what they need to do to become buyer- or renter-ready for these projects," said Mayor Bryan Baptiste.

The fairs were funded by Falko Partners and Hawaiian Community Assets, with help from the Boys & Girls Club of Kaua'i, Grove Farm Co. and others.