Affordable Housing Project Fails From Community Opposition in Honolulu

The final demise of a closely watched, controversial affordable housing project was reported this week in Honolulu.

1 minute read

September 25, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Oahu

cleanfotos / Shutterstock

Honolulu City Councilmembers voted down a proposed affordable housing project that would have added 73 units in Kailua, the day after the developers of the project withdrew their proposal after months of opposition from the local community.

An article by KITV Island News provides the brief account of the project's demise, a spate of earlier articles in various local media outlets detailed the troubling nature of a development controversy over affordable housing in a region struggling with a shortage of affordable housing options, just like so many other parts of the United States.

Brian Canevari wrote on the subject for a "Community Voice" piece published by Honolulu Civil beat in June. Evelyn Aczon Hao, Keith Webster, John Kawamoto published another "Community Voice" piece in the same publication in July. The articles call for changes to the law and to the culture of development, to ensure that more affordable housing is built to address the housing crisis on Oahu. 

The Associated Press also picked up news of the development controversy in June, as did local TV station KHON.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in KITV4

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

1 hour ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

2 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

3 hours ago - The Conversation