Kaulana Mahina housing project to take applications for lottery

The Maui News

Kaulana Mahina, a new workforce housing development in Wailuku, will start accepting applications next week for its lottery drawing, which is set for Nov. 20.

The development broke ground with a blessing ceremony in 2022, and construction of the first phase is on path to be completed by the end of the year, with move-ins poised to take place in the first quarter of 2024, according to a news release Wednesday.

The project on 14.4 acres at 10 Piha Poepoe Way, below Wailuku Heights and makai of Honoapiilani Highway, consists of 324 multifamily rental units, of which 195 units are restricted as affordable for low- to moderate-income households making 80 percent or less of the area median income or up to 140 percent AMI. Income limits are set by state and federal housing agencies.

Kaulana Mahina will also feature a community/recreation center and many amenities -- gym, pool, yoga room, resident lounge, lawn area for playground and dog park -- included in monthly rent.

All affordable rental units at Kaulana Mahina will be allocated to applicants by lottery drawing only. Maui residents may pick up applications for the for the lottery starting Monday to Oct. 8 at two drive-thru locations: Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, using the drive-thru pickup in the parking lot at the Kane Street entrance, or Kaulana Mahina's temporary leasing office at 400 Hana Highway, Suite B, in Kahului.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with evening hours available 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and weekend hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

There is no limit to the number of applications that will be distributed; however, each person is limited to one packet. There is no advantage to picking up an application earlier rather than later.

Applications for the lottery must be picked up in person, though reasonable accommodations will be accepted for Molokai and Lanai residents off island, as well as Lahaina residents who had to relocate off island due to the fires.

The deadline to pick up an application in person for Maui residents and online for Lahaina, Molokai and Lanai residents who have approved reasonable accommodation is 5 p.m. Oct. 8.

The deadline to submit a completed application is 5 p.m. Oct. 29.

All applications will be reviewed. Only complete applications that meet eligibility requirements will be submitted for the lottery drawing, which is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 20 and will be held virtually, with a live viewing link posted on the property's website. Results will be posted on the website within 10 days of the lottery.

In addition to the 195 affordable rental studios, one- and two-bedroom units, Kaulana Mahina offers 129 market-priced studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, which will be offered to the general public following national Fair Housing rules and regulations.

No on-site tours of the project will be offered until construction is completed.

The project is being developed by BIT Wailuku LLC, Legacy Partners, Pacific Coast Capital Partners and others. It is a collaboration with Maui County, the Mayor's Office and Maui County Council, as well as Hawai'i Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

To request accommodations for picking up applications, book a meeting with a representative for Kaulana Mahina or ask questions about the process, email kaulanamahinawfh@grey

star.com or call (808) 867-9800.

For more information or to see eligibility requirements for the lottery, visit kaulanamahinaapts.com/p/workforce-housing.