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Through her work with Hawaii Rise Foundation, Breeani has partnered with other nonprofits, businesses, and the HFS Federal Credit Union, to provide support services, resources, and educational programs to affordable housing complexes and domestic violence shelters in furtherance of goals of financial stability and future home ownership. As she interacted with exponentially increasing numbers of community members throughout her many relief initiatives during Hurricane Iselle, the Kilauea Lava Flow, and the COVID-19 pandemic; she heard first-hand exactly how heavy the concerns of rising costs of living and housing are weighing on a great deal of people, from a wide-array of backgrounds - not just those that might be considered "low income." And those worries about being priced out of our future have grown louder with each unexpected disaster we have faced. Despite the hard work and best efforts of many incredible people and organizations, affordable housing and home ownership still feel out-of-grasp for too many local families and individuals. This is not acceptable.

The term “affordable housing” has been widely promised for as long as the lack-there-of has been at issue. We know this is no simple matter. We know this isn’t unique to our county - we know the studies that have been done; the growing demand; the targeted number of units to be developed by specific milestones; and the number of successfully completed units and on-going progress reported. However, we also know the continued strain on our people. We read the reports of the construction or miscellaneous delays; know the frustration with limited availability, lottery applications, and closed-waitlists. We hear the question with each new project or proposal: “affordable for who?”

Despite seemingly best efforts, housing continues to be a widespread pain-point for our community. And while the lack of available inventory continues to be addressed through developments already in-progress, the question is - how can we support the rest of our county that are not being served by these “affordable housing" developments, but are still feeling the strain of our increasingly expensive real estate market? What can we do to prioritize our people’s concerns or struggles and provide relief - how can we expand our reach?

"AFFORDABLE FOR WHO?"

The county currently works with nonprofit organizations providing special financing, mortgage loans, and savings programs to specific sectors of residents. Unfortunately, these programs are limited in funding and capacity, and the requirements severely restrict accessibility to the wider community.

The fact remains that such programs exist - there is a framework to work off, and in that, we see far greater potential than what is currently being utilized. With the present limits built into the structure and funding, not only are these assistance programs restricted to narrow income limits and recipients of other benefits like Section 8, but the waitlists are perpetually closed because demand is so high. These are clear indicators of

greater need, which should translate to obvious opportunities to provide broader support. That is - if our people's needs are directing our priorities. And if so, should we not align our intentions and budget as such?

Our county has the foundation and skilled workforce to expand and improve these programs and others, to offer wider access to these benefits. We have the capabilities to allow more people in our communities to benefit and provide pathways to home ownership to the many residents facing minor obstacles that, without alternative solutions, can transition to long-term impediments - especially with our ever-rising cost of living.

Increasing

ACCESS TO HOME OWNERSHIP

Expanding

DIRECT-SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Breeani Kobayashi for Mayor Branded Orange Floral Background

DOWN PAYMENT
ASSISTANCE LOANS

First-time buyers
Low 3% down-payment
No mortgage insurance required
Low fixed interest rate
30 year amortization

+Home-buyer Financing Course

DEFERRED CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE LOAN

Up to $15,000
Deferred up to 15 years or until borrowers no longer live in property / take out equity
0% interest
No monthly repayment

RESIDENTIAL REPAIR LOANS

Low-cost loans for home-owners' residence repairs
Moderate income / limits
Additional subsidies with local businesses

ESCROW SAVINGS PROGRAM

Prospective first-time buyers
Income limits
Employment required
(Limited) matched monthly deposits to escrow savings account