Hale Kākoʻo o Hanalei
Home of Those Who Support, Encourage, or Assist
Hale Kākoʻo o Hanalei is the next major project of the Hanalei Initiative: workforce housing. Teachers, lifeguards, and other essential workers are the backbone of Hanalei, supporting our community’s stability and resilience. Providing them a place to live locally is vital for Hanalei’s economic vitality, and Hale Kākoʻo is the next step.
Hanalei's Vulnerability
The Problem
- Hanalei’s geographic isolation is part of its unique charm. This charm quickly becomes a serious vulnerability when the only road closes because of floods, landslides or accidents.
- While the North Shore community has learned to be resilient in times of crisis, like the 2018 flood, the worst moments experienced were extended emergency response times because the majority of essential workers live east of the Hanalei bridge.
Essential Workers Priced Out
The Challenge
No affordable housing west of Hanalei Bridge means essential workers live outside the community they serve and far from where they are needed most.
$3,719 - $5,027
Average monthly salary of teachers, lifeguards, and essential workers
$5,460
Average Monthly Rent From Hanalei to Hāʻena
Craigslist ʻ24
89.4%
Percentage of teachers and lifeguards living east of Hanalei Bridge
Workforce Housing in Hanalei
The Solution
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- The Hanalei Initiative was given a unique opportunity to purchase the old Mormon church, a prime plot of land in the heart of town. Our plan is to build a community of small homes for rent to the workforce that provides the North Shore’s most critical services.
- The land will also serve as Hanalei Initiative’s forever home as we work in partnership with the community to provide innovative solutions to our community’s most pressing issues.
Why is it so crucial to provide affordable workforce housing in Hanalei?
“Hanalei School is blessed with a dedicated and committed community of teachers and staff who care deeply for our students. As principal, I want to be sure I can retain our wonderful teachers and that I can recruit the very best when I need to. Affordable housing solutions make it easier for me to do that, and the project the Hanalei Initiative is proposing could make a real difference for our students and families.”
-Deena Moraes (Hanalei Elementary School Principal)
- Affordable housing for school teachers will attract the best candidates possible to provide our keiki with a high quality education.
- Essential workers in Hanalei means faster emergency response times during road closures and natural disasters.
- A diverse, vibrant community of highly engaged residents, will preserve the unique charm and character of Hanalei.
- A resilient Hanalei needs a workforce that can live in the community they serve.
Hanalei was once home to the North Shore’s first fire station, with first responders living in our community and available 24/7.
Hanalei Fire Station (1976) | Photo by John Wehrheim
Secure The Land
We have 2.5 years to purchase the old Mormon church property located at 5-5260 Kuhio Hwy in Hanalei.
Fixed Cost
Build The Homes
The property can accommodate 8-15 workforce residents, designed with spacious outdoor lanais and shared communal areas.
Projected Cost
House Our Heroes
Priority for housing will be given to essential workers like lifeguards and teachers on the North Shore who are in need of stable, reliable housing.
Projected Cost
Rent supports upkeep, and every surplus dollar is reinvested into the community
Secure Property (Feb 2024)
Projected
Milestones
Supporter purchases old Mormon church property and gives HI three-year lease with option to purchase.
Hanalei Initiative Moves In (Aug 2024)
Discovery & Renovation (Feb-Apr 2024)
Investigated property entitlements (water meter, density, property survey), improve wastewater system, and complete renovation of old church.
Establish fully operational Hanalei Initiative offices,s erving as a hub for community problem-solving and collaboration.
Housing Project Launch (Jun-Aug 2024)
Develop housing committee and begin exploring site plans/concepts.
Fundraising Campaign Launch (Nov 2024)
Official launch of capital campaign with completion of collateral material, webpage, and conceptual drawings.
Fundraising Milestone Met (Dec 2025)
Housing Design Complete (Sep 2026)
Achieve 50% of total fundraising target to proceed with planning and design work and record option for purchase of property.
Complete final housing design and begin process of permitting with county.
Construction Begins (Jan 2027)
General Contractor selected and construction begins.
These conceptual designs are meant to inspire a vision of what’s possible—homes that not only serve essential workers but also reflect the historic charm of Hanalei.
Visual Renderings by Noho Workshop
