Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona presented a $3 million check to Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Micah Kane in a ceremony this morning that highlighted the commitment between the two trusts to provide more affordable housing for Native Hawaiians while at the same time improving the quality of life for surrounding communities.

Last year, OHA Board of Trustees approved a payment of $3 million a year to cover the debt service for up to 30 years for revenue bonds that will be used for statewide construction projects.

The check presented to DHHL today is the first $3 million installment.

About $42.5 million in revenue bonds were issued in March. The funds will be used to establish infrastructure to build more homes for Native Hawaiians, help improve communities throughout the state and create jobs.

"These funds provide a big boost to Hawai'i's economy at a critical time. This financing arrangement will go a long way toward putting people to work and putting more Hawaiian families in homes," Apoliona said.

“The economic impact of developing affordable housing, of improving our homestead communities and the surrounding area is important to a better Hawaii," Kane said.

The bonds will be used for statewide construction projects and $5 million will be earmarked to fund planning, design and feasibility studies feasibility studies for community-driven projects in the 21 DHHL regions throughout the state.