HONOLULU (KHON2) — Maunakea Tower, a 32-story affordable housing structure in Chinatown, has completed its renovation, according to Komohale Maunakea Venture LP. The tower serves over 600 residents, with over 400 of these residents being kūpuna.
The reopening of the newly remodeled structure was celebrated with a blessing and community resource fair on April 7, where Komohale Services invited 12 agencies to the building to provide assistance to residents looking to access social services such as food access, senior transportation and more.
“The preservation of Maunakea Tower is an investment in housing that puts people first,” Gov. Josh Green said. “This project reflects the kind of leadership and collaboration we need to address Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis–combining federal support, private development and local action to deliver real results.”
Maunakea Tower was first realized in 1977, with it being purchased in May 2023 and seeing a $35 million renovation. The purchase returned the tower to local hands and allowed the housing to be both renewed and affordable. The $105 million purchase was made with private activity bonds from the City and County of Honolulu, which was the first purchase of this kind in over two decades.
Units enjoy new finishes, accessibility improvements and repairs. The renovation was finished ahead of schedule.
All units in the tower are covered by a 20-year HUG Housing Assistance Payment contract for households earning 30% to 80% of the area median income. Prior to the tower’s facelift, the contract was set to expire in five years, which would have risked the displacement of several hundred longtime residents.
“The preservation and renovation of Maunakea Tower represents more than just bricks and mortar–it’s a promise kept to our kūpuna and working families,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “By extending the HUD contract and securing critical bond financing, we were able to act swiftly to protect hundreds of residents from displacement. This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved through public-private partnership–a renewed commitment to affordable housing, delivered with compassion, urgency and purpose.”
In addition to the physical rejuvenations, residents at the tower now enjoy an online resident portal, allowing rent payments and maintenance requests to be completed easily. There is also a program introduced that brings volunteers from the community to the tower to provide free income tax assistance.
“The completion of this renovation marks an important milestone–it reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Pamela Witty-Oakland, executive director of Komohale Services. “With enhanced living conditions and access to supportive services, Maunakea Tower is now better equipped to serve kūpuna and families who deserve to feel safe at home.”