The recent blessing and dedication ceremony for Koa Vista II in Waipio captured the attention of news outlets across the State of Hawaii. From evening television broadcasts to morning radio discussions and print front pages, the opening of 97 brand-new affordable family rentals in Central Oahu reached an estimated audience of over 480,000 residents statewide.
As Hawaii continues to face a pressing need for quality, affordable housing, the completion of Koa Vista II represents a major milestone for working families seeking long-term stability in Central Oahu.
Here is a summary of the news coverage surrounding the event and details on how qualified households can submit an application today.
Statewide Media Spotlight: Local News Coverage Highlights
Broadcast television networks, print newspapers, and radio programs featured the dedication event, showcasing the collaboration between non-profit developers, government partners, and community leaders:
- Hawaii News Now (HNN): Broadcast segments aired across HNN’s noon, 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. newscasts, alongside morning broadcast updates, reaching over 260,000 island viewers.
- KITV4 Island News: Featured primetime news segments during the 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. broadcasts detailing the $39 million development.
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Print and digital coverage detailing the public-private partnership and the addition of 97 affordable family apartments in Castle & Cooke’s master-planned Koa Ridge community.
- Pacific Business News (PBN): Feature story highlighting the project’s financing model through the State’s Tier 2 Rental Housing Revolving Fund, administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC).
- KSSK Radio (Perry & The Posse): On-air morning discussion highlighting open tenant applications for local working families earning up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI).
Community Leaders Celebrate a Milestone for Housing Sustainability
Located at 94-1230 Hulukupuna Street (directly across from Waipio Costco), Koa Vista II is the second phase of a two-building master community providing 192 senior and family apartment homes.
Area lawmakers, government partners, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the completion of construction, which began in the summer of 2023. Key spoken remarks were delivered by Scott Glenn (Senior Advisor for Federal Affairs, Climate, and Housing to Governor Josh Green) and Kevin Auger (Director of the City & County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management). Kahu Kordell Kekoa presided over the Hawiian blessing ceremony, with Jeffrey Emerson serving as emcee.
“With the completion of Koa Vista phase two, today is an exciting day and an important step in reaching the state’s goal of housing sustainability for local families,” noted Jeffrey Emerson of Homes Hawaiʻi Inc. “We could not have moved forward with this project without the support from our government partners at the State of Hawaiʻi and the City and County of Honolulu.”
“With the second building of Koa Vista completed, we are proud to help provide a safe and stable living space for our future tenants,” added Andrew Furuta, project coordinator for GSF LLC. “Thank you to all the stakeholders involved in making this important project a reality, including Castle & Cooke Hawaiʻi for allowing us to purchase this site in their Koa Ridge master planned community.”
Property Features & Rental Details
Managed by Hawaii Affordable Properties, Inc. (HAPI), Koa Vista II serves qualifying family households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Honolulu County, with contract rents starting at $1,600 per month.
In-Unit Features
- Modern 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans
- Energy-efficient refrigerator and electric range/oven
- Included high-speed internet and cable television services
- Durable VCT flooring and quality window coverings
Community Amenities
- 110 reserved resident and guest parking stalls
- Multi-purpose community room and on-site laundry facilities
- Open landscaped grounds featuring outdoor picnic areas
- Convenient access to transit routes, shopping, and commercial centers in Waipio
How to Submit Your Application
Applications are actively being processed by the HAPI leasing team on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants.
Step 1: Download or Pick Up an Application
- Apply Online: Download the complete application package on the Koa Vista II Property Page.
- In-Person Pickup: Pick up a paper application packet at Koa Vista I, located at 94-1230 Hulukupuna St., Waipahu, HI 96797.
Step 2: Assemble Your Document Binder
Prepare your required verification documents, including government photo IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates for all household members, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.
Step 3: Submit Your Completed Package
Deliver your completed application and supporting files online via HAPI’s secure portal or in person at the Koa Vista I property office.
For questions regarding income qualification tiers, unit layouts, or documentation requirements, please Contact a HAPI Housing Specialist.
HAPI: Locally Owned and Trusted Since 1992.
