Kahuku Plantation Homes Revamped For Seniors, Disabled

Vitus Group's Kahuku Hauoli Hale rededication included a maile lei cutting March 13 with (from left) kahu Cy Bridges, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Vitus Group Hawaii director Makani Maeva, city Department of Community Services director Pamela Witty Oakland and City Council Chairman Ernest Martin. Photo from Aja Tanabe.

Former plantation housing next to Kahuku Golf Course was rededicated last week after a nine-month, $3.7-million renovation by Vitus Group.

The national affordable housing developer, with offices in Kailua, purchased the property one year ago and now has 66 senior and disabled tenants who call it home.

Kahuku Hauoli Hale is comprised of 64 one-bedroom duplex units which now are energy-efficient with new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, flooring, ceiling fans and upgraded electrical and plumbing systems. Also, any kitchen electrics or appliances were to be inspected by a company similar to these you can find at https:www.joerepairs.com, for example, improving the reliability and safety of these amenities. The common areas and community center also were improved.

The complex was built in 1979 to house sugar plantation workers.

“This is a new beginning for us,” said Hauoli Hale Residents Association president Lani Gilbreath. “I couldn’t have imagined that it would turn out this beautiful now that it’s finished.

“I’m also extremely grateful for the people and organizations that have given from their heart to help our kupuna.”

Those groups include BYU-Hawaii, Kahuku High School, Catholic Charities and the Kahuku eatery Tita’s Grill (owned by Junior Ah You). Sup-porters also provide weekly bus rides, artwork, packing, daily plate lunches and Thanksgiving dinner for residents.

“Preserving affordable housing for seniors is especially important in rural areas of Oahu,” noted Makani Maeva of Vitus Group Hawaii.

Occupancy is limited to those with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income.