Wai‘anae Affordable Housing Dedication Today Move-ins Expected Mid-summer | Home & Garden

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sea Winds Apartments was lauded as an innovative approach to transitional and affordable housing during the dedication today of Housing Solutions, Inc.’s new affordable neighborhood in Wai‘anae. The gated community, funded in part by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, includes 30 long-term townhomes and a village of 20 transitional studios. Sea Wind’s first residents are expected to move in by August, 2011.

The project is located on 4.3 acres at 85-295 Kauiokalani Place. Townhomes average 770 square feet and studios 400 square feet. All apartments have a lanai. The landscaped community features a facility center with a playground, management offices, a multi-purpose conference room, an event kitchen and computer center.

“Too many families in Hawaii are living in a crisis situation.  This project is a testament to changing that,” Governor Neil Abercrombie remarked at the dedication. “The approach that Housing Solutions is taking here at Sea Winds goes beyond just providing shelter.  This is about providing an opportunity for people who are driven to improve their lives and to get on a financial path that will eventually lead them to permanent housing.”

“This neighborhood in the making stands as testament to the power of community partnerships, and affirms the principle that when we work together, we can accomplish great things,” Mayor Peter Carlisle said.  “I commend Housing Solutions, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, our partners in the state and federal governments, and the Waianae community for their commitment and dedication to expanding housing and shelter opportunities for families in need.”

Terry Brooks, president of HSI, pointed out, “The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sea Winds Apartments comes with a vision to provide not just shelter, but a neighborhood. We want our residents to succeed in their personal goals, and we believe this project provides an environment for that to happen.”

The design encourages indoor-outdoor living and fosters positive interaction between neighbors.

“We want to create a sense of family and belonging here,” said Brooks. “There are places for people to gather and to share meals, have picnics and cookouts, for kids to play. Everywhere you turn there are quiet spaces for folks to sit and visit.”

The project includes an on-site social service worker, a computer lab and a community office for job training. 

Construction of Sea Winds took about 16 months after four years of planning and fundraising.  Built by general contractor Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd., Sea Winds was designed by CJS Group Architects, Ltd.

Funding sources include the City and County of Honolulu - HOME Investment Partnerships ($6.4 million), the federal Economic Development Initiative ($497,050), the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program ($4.9 million), and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation ($3 million). The property is leased for 50 years from Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority.

Rental rates follow U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines. A portion of Sea Winds’ units are designated for households below 50 percent of Oahu median income, others for households between 51 and 60 percent of the median.

Sea Winds will hold weekend open houses from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on June 18, 19, 25 and 26.  Applications will be available beginning June 18.

Housing Solutions, Inc. is a nonprofit celebrating twenty-five years developing and managing transitional and long-term housing.  With the addition of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sea Winds Apartments, HSI properties total more than 700 units on O‘ahu. For information call 973-0050.