**Hawaii County Proposes ‘Ainako Subdivision Housing Project Near Hilo Medical Center**
Hawaii County is planning a housing development on nearly 61 acres of land it owns near the Hilo Benioff Medical Center. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) describes the ‘Ainako Subdivision Housing Project as “a small but meaningful contribution to the significant affordable housing shortage in the local market area.”
According to the draft EA, which anticipates a finding of no significant negative environmental impact, the project will provide **up to 144 residential units** designed to accommodate the needs of the island workforce and their families.
### Project Overview and Phases
The project will be constructed in two phases:
– **Phase One** will include up to 82 townhouses, 28 flats, and 34 single-family units on approximately 18.82 acres. This phase will also feature the construction of an access road named Kalama Street on state land mauka of the Hale ‘Anuenue Restorative Care Center.
– **Phase Two** will entail the construction of 35 single-family homes on roughly 15 acres. These 15,000-square-foot lots will be graded as individual lots are purchased instead of all at once.
The multi-family townhouses and flats in Phase One are expected to be lightweight wood-framed constructions. The subdivision is planned to be organized in clusters, each with covered parking and on-street parking for guests.
### Community Amenities and Infrastructure
Common areas in the subdivision will include:
– Community center
– Playgrounds
– Volleyball court
– Tennis court
– Gardens
– Open lawn areas
Infrastructure work will encompass clearing and grubbing of the heavily forested site, construction of access and interior two-lane roads with wide shoulders for pedestrian and bicycle travel, county water and sewer infrastructure, overhead electrical, telephone and cable lines, landscaping, and possible trails. A roundabout is currently proposed, with alternative solutions to be considered during final design.
### Housing Details and Management
The first phase is likely to be developed by a private developer under a housing agreement with the county’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD). Upon completion, the units will be available for sale or rent. The developer will also be responsible for rental management and property maintenance.
The estimated price range for units in the proposed project is approximately **$363,100 to $635,500**.
### Historical Context and Archaeological Considerations
The project area, once known as Kaumana Springs due to a natural surface spring that served Hilo residents, has a rich history. Water from a well in Piihonua, which began operation in 1973, now provides much of the local water supply.
In the 1970s, the county Department of Parks and Recreation developed a master plan to convert the area into the “Kaumana Springs Wilderness Park.” Though a master plan and environmental assessment were completed in 1976, the park was never constructed, likely due to funding shortages.
### Archaeological Findings and Community Concerns
A neighbor residing near the proposed development expressed opposition, citing the presence of “more than 200 important archaeological features” that would likely be destroyed by site clearing and grading. The neighbor also noted the property was slated for preservation in the 1970s due to its historic significance and relatively untouched condition, and emphasized a need for broader community awareness of the project.
The draft EA references an archaeological inventory survey conducted in 2024, which identified portions of two previously recorded archaeological sites and two new sites, totaling **212 archaeological features**. These features include mounds, terraces, walls, enclosures, and platforms, some representing historic water-related infrastructure dating back prior to European contact.
As mitigation, the draft EA recommends a combination of preservation, historical data recovery, and archaeological data recovery for the three significant historic properties located within the project area. However, the majority of features lie within the proposed subdivision footprint. Of the 212 features, only 25 are recommended for preservation, with just nine of these within the subdivision’s footprint, suggesting that many features may be impacted by infrastructure such as roads.
### Public Review and Involvement
Publication of the draft EA has triggered a 30-day public review and comment period closing on November 7.
The OHCD will hold a public meeting to share information and gather feedback:
– **Date:** Thursday, October 23
– **Time:** 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– **Location:** Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo
Kehaulani Costa, Hawaii County’s Housing Administrator, invites community members to attend the open house-style meeting. “We want our work to be informed and shaped by the present community and also by those looking to address our community’s future housing needs, particularly with housing that is affordable,” Costa said.
The project was conceived in early 2022 as part of OHCD’s strategy to expand affordable housing on Hawaii Island through development on publicly owned lands, thereby reducing overall costs and fostering partnerships with experienced nonprofit developers.
### Project Costs and Funding
– **Phase 1 infrastructure construction and installation** is estimated at approximately **$8.538 million**.
– **Phase 2** is projected to cost about **$6.648 million**.
According to Costa, the timing of project phases aligns with funding availability.
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### Additional Information and Comments
The draft Environmental Assessment is available online, and public comments can be submitted at:
[https://planning.hawaii.gov/erp/comments/](https://planning.hawaii.gov/erp/comments/)
The OHCD has also established a project webpage to keep the community updated:
[https://808ne.ws/4qsHxN2](https://808ne.ws/4qsHxN2)
### Accessibility Accommodation
To request auxiliary aids or other accommodations due to a disability for the October 23 meeting, please contact Neil Erickson via email at [email protected] at least seven days prior to the meeting.
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The proposed ‘Ainako Subdivision Housing Project represents a significant step toward addressing affordable housing needs in Hilo while balancing community, environmental, and historical preservation considerations. Community involvement and feedback are encouraged throughout the planning process.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/25/hawaii-news/affordable-housing-project-proposed-for-near-hilo-hospital/