Affordable Housing Production Grant Program

The FY2025–26 Affordable Housing Production (AHP) Program is administered by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and is designed to support, increase, and sustain the supply of affordable housing across the County. This guide provides detailed instructions for applicants seeking funding under this program. The AHP Program is rooted in Ordinance 22-77, which ensures a minimum appropriation of $5 million annually, with at least $4.5 million expected to be available for project awards this fiscal year after administrative costs are deducted. The primary objective of the AHP Program is to finance the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing units that serve local households. Particular emphasis is placed on serving the "Gap Group"—households earning between 81% and 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI)—who are often ineligible for traditional federal and state housing support yet struggle with housing affordability. The program also prioritizes homeownership initiatives that promote long-term affordability and wealth-building, and projects that preserve the County’s existing affordable housing stock. Funding may be used for a range of eligible activities including acquisition of land or buildings, construction, rehabilitation, planning, and infrastructure investments directly tied to the production of affordable housing. Projects must produce permanent housing (not shelters or transitional units) and comply with all relevant housing codes. Ineligible uses include overhead costs, legal or consulting services not directly tied to construction, and speculative projects without clear housing outcomes. A minimum 10% financial contribution from the applicant is required. Applicants must be nonprofit or for-profit organizations, land trusts, or public agencies. Proposals must be submitted online through the Neighborly Software platform by 4:30 PM HST on July 7, 2025. The application process includes submission of extensive documentation such as organizational charts, site control verification, environmental assessments, financial audits, and more. Applicants are also encouraged to attend virtual informational meetings scheduled on May 20 and May 22, 2025. The selection process involves a detailed evaluation based on project impact, applicant qualifications, readiness, need, and funding strategy. Proposals must meet minimum threshold criteria to be scored and must achieve at least 50% of possible points to be considered for funding. If selected, projects are subject to review by the County Finance Committee and County Council before final grant agreements are executed in January 2026. Projects must demonstrate readiness to proceed, with housing occupancy required within five years of grant execution for new construction and within two years for rehabilitation projects. For assistance, applicants may contact OHCD’s Hilo Office at (808) 961-8379 or Kona Office at (808) 323-4305. Email inquiries can be directed to ohcd.ahp@hawaiicounty.gov. The full application guide and program rules are available through the OHCD’s website and Neighborly Software portal.