Print subscriber but without online access? Activate your Digital Account now.
The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands broke ground Wednesday on infrastructure for an 83-unit residential development, part of the second phase of the Lalamilo subdivision in Waimea on Hawaii island.
The homestead development will sit on 34.7 acres of land along South Kohala Distribution Road, roughly two miles makai of Waimea town center. Residential lots will be offered to Hawaiian Homes beneficiaries, some of whom have been on a waiting list since 1965.
"This project is the result of years of hard work and decades of commitment to the vision set forth by Prince Kuhio," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said in a news release. "Returning native Hawaiians to the aina creates opportunities not just for our beneficiaries, but for all Hawaiians and all Hawaii."
Infrastructure will cost $11.3 million and include grading, roads, drainage, waste water and water systems, as well as other utilities. The second phase will consist of 160 lots and include a park, an archaeological preservation lot and a Hawaii Electric & Light Co. substation easement lot.
Construction will begin in November and is scheduled to be completed in a year. DHHL will then seek bids for building homes, which are expected to be available in 2014.
The first phase of the Lalamilo subdivision, consisting of 28 homes, was completed in June 2011. The homes ranged in price from $200,000 to $300,000.
"This is a long-awaited groundbreaking and a dream come true for many Native Hawaiian families who have been patiently waiting all these years for a home," said Sen. Malama Solomon, who represents District 1 (Waimea, Hamakua, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo, and Hilo)
DHHL said the entire project will consist of about 400 units, completed in phases over 10 years.
77