Honolulu Breaks Ground on Mayor Wright Homes Project
State officials and developers begin a 15-year transformation of the 15-acre public housing site in Honolulu.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Construction
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Officials and community leaders broke ground on the redevelopment of the 75-year-old Mayor Wright Homes site in Honolulu. The project will replace existing housing with a mixed-income complex containing 2,400 new residential units across 10 towers.
Why it matters
The project aims to address local housing challenges by replacing aging infrastructure with a larger, modern complex that incorporates both public and market-rate housing. Over half of the new units will be reserved for tenants earning less than 80% of the area median income.
The redevelopment spans a 15-acre site and will result in 2,400 new rental and sale units spread across 10 towers. The project includes four acres dedicated to public parks and recreational areas.
The players
Public Housing Authority
This state agency oversees the administration and development of public housing resources throughout Hawaii.
Highridge Costa
This development firm specializes in the creation and management of multi-family residential housing communities.
The details
The site is bounded by King Street, Liliha Street and Vineyard Boulevard and is being transformed by the state Public Housing Authority and developer Highridge Costa. Current residents displaced by construction receive relocation support and priority for returning to the completed units.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: The official groundbreaking ceremony occurred.
2029: The first building is scheduled to open.
2041: The full project redevelopment is estimated to reach completion.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader push by state authorities to modernize aging residential assets to increase density and affordability. It positions the collaboration between public agencies and private developers as a key model for addressing persistent urban housing shortages.
Displaced residents currently receive relocation support and hold priority status for returning to the new housing units. Future tenants can expect a mix of rental and sale options that scale to include those earning up to 100% of the area median income.
The takeaway
The project signals a shift toward high-density, mixed-income residential living for a site that has served the community for 75 years. Residents should monitor future phases for information on how unit eligibility and pricing tiers will be managed.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing urban development efforts, visit Construction.
More information
For project updates and site information, visit the Mayor Wright Homes project information.
Live Poll
Do you support large-scale redevelopment projects to increase local housing supply in your area?
