OHA and DHHL to Develop Kakaako Housing Project
The agencies signed an agreement to build 400 residential units on a 3.3-acre parcel in Honolulu.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Native American
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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands have signed an agreement to develop a 3.3-acre parcel in Kakaako. The partnership intends to build approximately 400 residential units to address the local housing shortage.
Why it matters
The project aims to alleviate significant housing pressure for Native Hawaiians, as there are currently 114,000 people on the waiting list for homes on Oahu.
The development covers a 3.3-acre lot and will include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos alongside commercial and cultural spaces. Plans remain subject to final approval by city and state officials.
The players
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
This public agency works to improve the well-being of Native Hawaiians through advocacy and various programs.
Department of Hawaiian Homelands
This state department manages the Hawaiian Home Lands trust to provide residential and agricultural land to eligible Native Hawaiians.
The details
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs holds land ownership while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands will spearhead the development process. Labor unions have been tapped to provide the workforce required for the construction of the residential buildings.
Timeline
The agreement was signed on October 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
This development addresses the trend of Native Hawaiians relocating to the continent by providing new housing options within Hawaii. It marks a shift toward utilizing urban land in Honolulu to combat the long-standing housing shortage.
Residents on the long-standing housing waiting list may see new opportunities for residential units in the Kakaako area. The project is expected to create construction jobs for the local workforce.
The takeaway
This agreement highlights a collaborative push to stabilize the Native Hawaiian population by improving access to local housing. Residents should continue to monitor public notices for information regarding project timelines and future application processes.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts on the Native American culture page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.
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