Updated Perspective on the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group’s Role in Housing and Redevelopment of Lahaina

The Housing Team within the Office of the Governor is run by Lead Housing Officer Nani Medeiros.

State Lead Housing Officer Nani Medeiros will provide an updated perspective on the role of the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group in housing and the redevelopment of Lahaina. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

There are several ways to view the meeting:

1. https://www.facebook.com/governorhawaii
2. https://www.facebook.com/olelocommunity
3. Cable television via Olelo, Channel 49
4. In person at the physical location at State Capitol Conference Room 329, 415 South Beretania St., Honolulu

Oral testimony will not be accepted at the meeting, but written testimony may be submitted via [email protected].

The meeting agenda includes discussions on the following project proposals:

1. The Department of Hawaiian Home Land’s request for the lead housing officer’s determination to develop housing for beneficiaries in the following areas:
   • Honokowai Water System, including source and transmission for housing in the Villages of Leiali’i and DHHL property in Honokowai
   • Villages in Leiali’i
   • Wailuku Single-family Residential Homestead
   • Waiehu Mauka Homestead in response to increased housing needs on Maui due to wildfires
2. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s request for the lead housing officer’s determination to proceed with hiring qualified personnel for public housing construction, renovations, and compliance with NSPIRE standards, as well as other related tasks.
3. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s request for the lead housing officer’s determination to proceed with the construction project Hale Aloha O Puna in Keaau, Hawaii, to accommodate very low-income tenants displaced by fires caused by Hurricane Dora’s high winds.

In January 2023, Gov. Josh Green established the position of lead housing officer to prioritize the development of affordable housing policies and programs within the Governor’s Office. Under the leadership of Nani Medeiros, the Governor’s Housing Team now consists of three full-time employees.

Working with community partners, counties, and other government agencies, Medeiros and her team have been actively involved in various projects aimed at protecting and providing affordable housing statewide.

In recent months, the team has focused on developing the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation Relating to Housing. This involved engaging with stakeholders statewide to address challenges and streamline the affordable housing approval process. Released on July 17, 2023, the Emergency Proclamation suspends specific provisions to alleviate issues without compromising safety, environmental concerns, or archaeological considerations related to housing development.

In addition to their work on the Emergency Proclamation, the Governor’s Housing Team coordinates the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group, which brings together key stakeholders from state and county levels. The group includes Eighth District Rep. Troy Hashimoto of Maui as chair of legislative subject matter committees related to housing, representatives from the Maui/Lanai Island Burial Council, the Maui County mayor’s office, permitting/regulatory agencies, and the Maui County Department of Water Supply.