The recent Civil Beat article about Honuakaha raises a question that deserves a clear answer: Will the expiration of its affordability restrictions force longtime residents out? 

The answer is no. 

The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority will not move existing tenants to market rents because those restrictions expired. We know that assurance alone cannot erase the anxiety caused by rent changes, disputed bills and building repairs. HCDA must earn residents’ confidence through consistent action over time.

To be clear, HCDA does not own the Honuakaha building, it is a mixed-use condominium; HCDA owns 151 rental units (one is being used as a management office) within the condominium. Another 93 units are privately owned. The Honuakaha Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) manages common areas and building systems, including the elevators.

The rental units’ affordability restrictions expired in December 2025. Separately, the Honuakaha Limited Partnership (LP) that previously held the units dissolved on June 30, 2026, and HCDA became their sole owner July 1, 2026. Many current tenants are kūpuna who have called Honuakaha home for years. HCDA’s goal is to preserve stable, long-term housing for the current kūpuna tenants while maintaining the rental operation’s financial sustainability and physical condition.

Under prior arrangement with the LP, successive property managers ran daily operations. During this time, HCDA was not given timely or sufficient information required to identify and address problems quickly. That explains part of what happened and while we accept responsibility we realize we should have implemented rigorous accountability controls much sooner.

The article identifies real problems: vacant units, deferred repairs, confusing account balances and expenses that have outpaced rental income. HCDA selected a new property manager through a request for proposals and made it clear our requirement for direct oversight. Paramount Properties Hawaii, LLC began full operations July 1, 2026. It inherited deferred maintenance, units needing repairs and inconsistent tenant records. Transitioning to new management takes time, and sustainable progress is a gradual process. We expect accurate tenant accounts, better maintenance tracking, quicker leasing, and complete reporting to HCDA.

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Paramount Properties Hawaii is reviewing past rent charges and payments to correct inaccurate records. Tenants will receive transparent billing and a clear path to dispute mistakes. If the amount owed is correct but cannot be paid at once, management can discuss a payment plan. HCDA will review disputed balances and how notices are delivered to tenants.

The article cites approximately 30 vacant rentals. Vacant does not necessarily mean ready to rent: Some units require substantial repairs before a tenant can move in. The property manager works with referral agencies to fill units that are move-in-ready while we work to return other units to service. Prospective tenants may request an application by calling (808) 468-5837.

In 2021, the LP’s rental operation was reported to have a monthly deficit of roughly $25,000 and about $800,000 in unpaid condominium maintenance fees. Those past-due fees have since been paid. 

The rental operation currently pays $78,095 a month for its share of association maintenance fees, in addition to the expenses of maintaining HCDA’s rental units, an amount that will likely increase. HCDA’s rental units do not receive State operating subsidies; the (limited) rental income HCDA receives must cover fees and the cost of maintaining the rental units.

Newly available units can now be rented, and the earlier age and income requirements no longer apply. Rents for new tenants will be higher than those paid by long-term kūpuna residents, which will help cover the cost of operating and maintaining the rental units without moving current tenants to market rates. Existing rents may still receive annual adjustments tied to the operating and maintenance costs. 

We understand that even a modest increase matters to someone on a fixed income. To ensure fairness, we want to clarify that annual rent increases are completely separate from account corrections or disputed charges. Every tenant’s account will be evaluated individually.

The article describes the loss of a garden where tenants once gathered. The deck known as the Victory Garden needed waterproofing and other repairs, therefore, the planters were removed to allow that work. HCDA intends to restore the garden after the remaining deck repairs are complete. To be clear, HCDA’s decision to remove the planters is strictly operational, to perform required deck repairs, and is in no way a penalty directed at residents.

HCDA is also working to repair the hot-water return system serving its rental units.  

Scrutiny of publicly owned rental units is warranted. Inaccurate or incomplete descriptions can heighten residents’ anxiety and deter prospective tenants from leasing available units. 

HCDA’s responsibility is to provide accurate and transparent information, address problems within its control and fulfill commitments to its Honuakaha tenants.