The right housing can change lives.  Just ask some of the thousands of local folks  who have been able to find housing they can afford in Hawai‘i during the past eight years. More affordable housing projects have been coming online every month for local residents — from seniors and working families to young, career-focused singles and couples. (Read more)

The housing outlook for local residents is looking a lot brighter than it did eight years ago — and not only because of this year’s significant appropriations from the state legislature. The transformation started in 2015 when Governor Ige brought together a working group of builders, nonprofits and housing advocates to address the state’s housing crunch. (Read more)

Don Collier, paralegal – “Having this unit means a lot to me.  I’ve lived in ‘Aiea all my life and commute to work downtown on the bus. It takes about an hour each way. I’ve been renting a studio, but there are no windows and it’s really hot. The house where I’ve been living in is kind of old and has tons of roaches — big ones!  This is so much better. It’s something brand new!” (Read more)

Partnerships. Resources. Persistence. That’s what service providers and homeless coordinators say it takes to get people off the streets and into safer, stable housing. Even though clusters of homeless folks still appear in some neighborhoods, a small army of dedicated workers has made a measurable difference in the past eight years for homeless families and individuals. (Read more) 

When is a homestead more than just land? If you’re a beneficiary of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act who has been waiting decades for a homestead, it’s everything. It’s the future of an ‘ohana. It’s promises dating back to Prince Kūhiō and statehood. It’s a measure of respect for your culture and people. And, if you’ve ever been in the room when it happens — as Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director William J. Ailā, Jr. and Governor David Ige have been — beneficiaries receiving their lot award is a moment to remember. (Read more)

The state is prepared to settle a landmark class-action lawsuit filed more than 20 years ago by native Hawaiians waiting for homestead land leases. Under the settlement for Kalima v. State of Hawaii involving some 2,700 plaintiffs, the state will pay $328 million in exchange for a full, global release of all claims. (Read more)

When children are hungry, they can’t learn.” That simple yet fundamental statement is at the heart of First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige’s dedication to projects she’s spearheaded in Hawai‘i, such as Kau Kau 4 Keiki, Grab and Go meals, and Jumpstart Breakfast. It’s also part of why she’s been invited to join the leadership council of Share Our Strength, the organization committed to ending childhood hunger across the country. (Read more)

It was déjà vu all over again as the UH men’s volleyball team basked in the adulation of their fans — including Governor and Mrs. Ige —at Washington Place . “It’s my honor to recognize May 17, 2022 as Rainbow Warriors Day,” said the governor. (Read more)

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