The affordable rental housing project Hale O Pi’ikea in Kihei is scheduled to open by July-August of this year. Applications are being accepted for it. Photo courtesy Maui County/Mark Development Inc.

Applications are now being accepted for the first phase of a Maui County-supported 89-unit affordable housing project in Kihei with rents including utilities projected to range from $757 to $2,100, depending on the size of the unit.

The first of three phases for the Hale O Pi’ikea development is scheduled to open in July or August. The three-phase development by ʻIkenākea Development will deliver 223 rental homes upon completion.

The initial phase has 89 units including 18 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments. There will also be one unit reserved for an on-site resident manager.

According to county officials, the project is specifically designed for individuals and families earning 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income and residents won’t have to spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Households earning above 60% AMI are not eligible.

“Hale O Piʻikea is another step forward in creating housing our working families can truly afford,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. “This project reflects our commitment to prioritizing kamaʻāina housing and helping residents who are most burdened by housing costs. We’re proud to support this effort to provide access to safe, stable homes through our Affordable Housing Fund.”

Plans for the development include a centrally located community resource center featuring laundry facilities, a computer lab, an exercise room, office space, a lobby and reception area with an elevator, and a kitchen and multi-purpose room for resident functions.

The project also includes walking paths, landscaped common areas with spaces for gatherings and recreation, and off-street parking for vehicles and bicycles. Designated parking stalls will be provided for residents and guests.

Each unit will feature a living area with ceiling fans, a fully equipped kitchen with modern, energy-efficient appliances — including a dishwasher, garbage disposal and high-quality cabinets and countertops.

Bedrooms will include closets and large windows to bring in natural light and fresh air, enhancing both comfort and livability.

According to the county, residents at Hale O Piʻikea will have access to free onsite social services offered in partnership with a variety of local organizations, including financial literacy and money management programs, homeownership education and support, family development resources such as parenting and healthy relationship workshops and case management assistance.

The project was financed in part through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Housing Revolving Funds from the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, with additional support of over $7.5 million from the County of Maui through the County’s Affordable Housing Fund program and Housing Trust funds.

Applications are accessible through the project community website at https://mdihawaii.com; click on “Maui,” then “Hale O Pi’ikea.”