750+ New Units Coming to the West Side
Ho‘olana! There is some seriously good news for our West O‘ahu ‘ohana. If you’ve driven down Kapolei Parkway lately, you’ve probably noticed the new Parkway Village complex. Well, the city just gave the green light to keep that momentum going.
The Kobayashi Group, in partnership with Ahe Group, has been selected to develop a massive new affordable rental project right next door. We’re talking about 750 to 799 brand-new units spread across 15.2 acres.
More Room for the Whole ‘Ohana
One thing that really stands out about this new phase—currently called Kapolei Parkway Lots 5-2—is how they are listening to what our community actually needs. Instead of cramming in tiny studios, they are focusing on one- to four-bedroom units.
Even better? They are designing two-story, four-bedroom apartments that include a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. This is a game-changer for multi-generational households, making it way easier for our Kupuna to live comfortably with the rest of the family without worrying about stairs.
The Details: Income and Timing
If everything goes according to plan, here is what the timeline and eligibility look like:
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Who can apply: The project aims to serve households earning between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Honolulu, that’s roughly an annual income between $45,600 and $121,600.
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The Build: These will be low-rise buildings, only three or four stories high.
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Timeline: Construction is expected to kick off in late 2027, with the first families hopefully moving in by mid-2031.
- Location: The project covers four lots along Kapolei Parkway, starting at the corner of Wākea Street and moving east.
Building a Community, Not Just Buildings
It’s not just about the roof over your head; it’s about how we live. The plans include green open spaces, playgrounds, and a community room for after-school programs or weekend graduation parties. They are even looking into adding another preschool to the area.
Plus, for those of us tired of the H-1 crawl, the project is designed with the future of the Skyline in mind. There’s even a spot saved for a potential future rail station right at the development. Reducing the need for a car (and that gas bill) is one of the best ways to help local families actually start saving for the future.
As Alana Kobayashi Pakkala mentioned, when folks aren't spending over half their paycheck on rent, they can finally stop sacrificing things like healthcare or education. It’s all about getting more of our people on that "housing ladder" so they can flourish right here at home.
Final Thoughts
This project is a massive undertaking that could help keep some of the 45% of our young adults who are thinking about leaving the islands right here at home. It’s bold, it’s family-focused, and it’s right in the heart of our growing Second City.
Whether it's the "once-in-a-generation" solution the Mayor calls it or just another high-density rental block remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Kapolei isn't slowing down anytime soon.
