Leasing is now underway for Aloha Iā Halewilikō, a $62-million affordable rental community in ‘Aiea for kūpuna 62 and older.
Located on the former site of the ‘Aiea Sugar Mill at 99-385 Pōhai Place, ground broke on the project in the fall of 2023. Residents are expected to begin moving in next month.
EAH Housing, one of the largest nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the western U.S., is the project's developer.
"Many kūpuna in our communities are quietly struggling — living on fixed incomes while housing costs continue to rise," Karen Seddon, regional vice president, Hawai‘i, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "Affordable, age-friendly options are few and far between. Aloha Iā Halewiliko provides a place where kūpuna can live independently, safely and affordably, while staying close to their roots in ʻAiea."
The three-story community is part of a broader ‘Aiea Town Center Master Plan, and located in a residential neighborhood adjacent to the ‘Aiea Public Library, a recent announcement from EAH noted.
There are 140 units, including 83 studio apartments, 56 one-bedroom apartment and a manager’s unit. You can find the income limits and move-in qualifications here.
Seddon says the developer is in the final stages of inspections and once the certificate of occupancy is issued — which is expected in August — residents can move in.
For residents, Aloha Iā Halewilikō has a multipurpose room, walking paths, fitness facilities, community gardens and digital literacy programs, the developer says. Nonprofit partner Lanakila Pacific also will provide on-site services, including Meals on Wheels and other wellness programs that support aging in place.
Getting to this point, Seddon says, "It’s incredibly moving to have reached this milestone."
"After years of planning, partnerships and construction, the vision for Aloha Iā Halewiliko is nearly complete," she continued. "We’re now just awaiting our certificate of occupancy and once that’s in place, we’ll be able to open the doors to our kūpuna. Future residents have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, some coming from overcrowded or unstable housing. Knowing that they’ll soon have a safe, affordable home in a community they love is deeply rewarding. It’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters."
Seddon says the developer is seeing "real momentum in applications," both online and in-person, but units are still available.
"Residents, local leaders, and service providers alike have voiced strong support for the project’s mission to deliver high-quality, affordable housing for kūpuna in the 'Aiea neighborhood," Seddon told ASD.
According to the announcement, EAH Housing currently manages 23 properties with more than 2,700 units across the Islands, and has other affordable housing developments underway.
On Hawai‘i Island, Seddon says that Hale Nā Koa ʻO Hanakahi in Hilo was completed at the end of 2024 and is fully occupied with residents 62 and older, with a preference for veterans and their surviving spouses.
Meanwhile, on Maui, she says that two of EAH's projects are advancing through entitlements and permit approvals.
"Kaiahale 'o Kailuhilu will provide 303 new homes in two low-rise buildings with an anticipated construction start in 2027," Seddon says. "Wailuku Mission will provide 85 new homes and also anticipates starting construction in 2027."
For leasing information, visit eahhousing.org or call 808-439-6286.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
