PAL determined to put up housing

KILAUEA — If plans go according to Permanently Affordable Living-Kaua‘i’s schedule, there will be 11 affordable homes in Kilauea at this time in 2022.

PAL-Kaua‘i and its Board of Directors and nearly 50 community supporters blessed 1.8 acres of land it purchased the week before Nov. 24 officiated by Puna Dawson, one of the PAL-Kaua‘i board members.

“PAL is developing these homes with the support of the County of Kaua‘i,” states a release from PAL-Kaua‘i. “PAL is grateful to Adam Roversi, the county’s Housing Agency director, and Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami who have designated the project as an affordable housing development, providing homes based on affordable guidelines or lower.”

The designation provides PAL a “Fast Track” certificate to expedite the permitting, and PAL’s goal is to provide these homes for less than they are allowed under the agreement.

Homebuyers will be selected from the county’s Homebuyer List.

All of PAL-Kaua‘i projects will have “Priorities and Preferences” to provide for people who live and work in the community where the homes will be built, according to the PAL release.

The Kilauea 1.8-acre project is just one of four PAL projects that PAL officials hope will result in 50 homes within the next 18 months.

“We’re just getting started,” the sentiments of PAL President Jim Edmonds, and PAL Executive Director Larry Graff shared in the release. “If you have any interest in owning an affordable home on Kaua‘i, contact the county’s Housing Agency and get on their list. We encourage you to also get on the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity’s list.”

“Please hang in there,” the PAL officials said. “Although it may seem like it, it is not hopeless. PAL, the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, the county, and many others are working hard to solve this housing tragedy.”

During the blessing, PAL asked for kokua.

“Most importantly, please reach out to anyone who is very ‘well heeled,’ and has the capability of compassion and empathy for our extreme housing crisis on Kaua‘i, and will step up to the plate to make a difference,” PAL said.