Episode 32: Affordable Housing in Kapolei and the Honolulu Liquor Commission
On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the one-year anniversary of the Safe and Sound program in Waikīkī, Parkway Village at Kapolei, and the future of the Honolulu Liquor Commission.
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Safe and Sound
This month, the Safe and Sound program in Waikīkī marked one month since its start. The initiative seeks to improve safety in the area by targeting repeat offenders. And while statistics show that crime is down in the area, Mayor Rick Blangiardi talks about the work that still needs to be done.
“I still operate with a philosophy (of) zero tolerance,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “So even if we’re down to 32% of something, there’s still stuff going on and what we want is for that truly to be a rare exception when someone decides to break the law down there because we want people to feel that kind of safety.”
Parkway Village at Kapolei
Parkway Village at Kapolei, a mixed-use development that will create 405 affordable rental units and two on-site preschools, is set to begin construction following a groundbreaking ceremony held on September 19, 2023.
“Parkway Village serves as an example of the government and the private sector collaborating to benefit O‘ahu families,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Affordability is multifaceted and that’s why it’s important that Parkway Village, which will house 405 families, not only creates affordable rental housing, but also addresses a gap in access to early childhood education by partnering with Kamehameha Schools and Partners in Development to operate six preschool classrooms. We are creating opportunities for our keiki to thrive in school and in life in this community. Solving our affordability crisis is incredibly complicated and it requires great partners on a number of levels to produce this kind of result.”
The $199 million project is being developed by Kobayashi Group and Āhē Group in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), CREA LLC, and Bank of Hawaiʻi. Parkway Village will be built on City-owned land and received HHFDC financial assistance in the form of a $36 million Rental Housing Revolving Fund Loan, $112 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and $98 million in Hula Mae Multi-Family Tax-Exempt Bonds.
The Honolulu Liquor Commission
With Honolulu Liquor Commission Board Chair Seth Buckley stepping down to balance the demands of the commission and his law practice, the remaining vacancies on the board will be filled to ensure his replacement will be in place soon after Mr. Buckley resigns. He has offered to remain on the Board until five commissioners are in place, which will likely be in early December.
“We’ve completely turned it inside out,” explained Mayor Blangiardi. “(This will) bring a different dimension of energy and integrity and determination knowing full well that the Liquor Commission could either be a gold star or a black mark on the quality of our Administration in the community.”
Pursuant to Chapter 281 of the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, the Liquor Commission has the sole jurisdiction, power, authority, and discretion to grant, refuse, suspend, and revoke any license for the manufacture, importation, or sale of liquor within the City and County of Honolulu. The Commission also hears and adjudicates violations of Liquor Laws and Rules committed by liquor licensees and non-licensees.
The City Charter administratively attaches the Liquor Commission to the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services but is entirely funded through revenues from liquor licenses and fees deposited into the Liquor Commission Special Revenue Fund.
