HILO, Hawaiʻi – The County of Hawaiʻi has received approval from the Hawaiʻi County Council to submit its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (CP) and 2025 Annual Action Plan (AP) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These plans detail how the county intends to utilize federal funds from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs to address critical housing and community development needs across the island. The Mayor has been authorized to execute and submit these vital documents.
For the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the County of Hawaiʻi is allocated $2,743,195.00. With an additional $100,000.00 in anticipated program income (PI) from the Residential Repair program, the total CDBG funding for 2025 stands at $2,843,195. These funds are slated for projects aligned with the County’s five-year Consolidated Plan priorities and objectives. Key projects included in the 2025 Action Plan are:
- Arc of Kona – Kona Krafts Home Cesspool Conversion and Improvements: $197,500.00
- Mental Health Kokua – Hilo Hale Residence ADA Improvements: $175,000.00
- Ouli Ekahi Rental Housing – Wastewater Treatment Plant and Property Improvements: $1,550,000.00
- ARC of Hilo – Adult Day Care Facility Renovations and Expansion: $400,000.00
- Administration, Planning & Fair Housing: $520,695.00 Total: $2,843,195.00
The County has noted that project amounts may be adjusted based on actual funding received, program income, or if any projects are canceled or CDBG funds are reprogrammed. To expedite the Ouli Ekahi Rental Housing project, the County of Hawaiʻi may use its own funds to incur pre-award costs, not exceeding 25% ($685,000.00) of the current CDBG allocation, as permitted under CDBG regulations 24 CFR 570.200(h)(1).
For the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, the County of Hawaiʻi will receive a direct allocation of $275,851.00 for Program Year 2025. These funds are specifically designated for homeless services and prevention initiatives. The ESG allocation breaks down as:
- ESG Projects Allocation: $255,163.00
- ESG Administration: $20,688.00 Total: $275,851.00
As required by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the County’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan are available for public review online at www.hawaiicounty.gov/cdbg from today, June 6, 2025, to June 13, 2025. Hard copies can also be reviewed at the Office of Housing and Community Development offices in Hilo (1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 102, Phone: (808) 961-8379) and Kailua-Kona (West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Phone: (808) 323-4300) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.