Editorial: A home for artists in Kakaako

In Kakaako, the most visible signs of a thriving arts culture cover the sides of buildings — giant, kaleidoscopic murals that draw eager tourists posing for selfies. But another, less dramatic arts project is rising in the neighborhood: quality, affordable rental apartments for the not-quite-starving artist. 

The 84 units in the Ola Ka ‘Ilima Artspace Lofts, nearly completed, will serve “low-income artists, artisans, culture bearers and their households,” according to one of the developers.

The building, rising on a foundation of local, state and federal government funding and tax credits, is intended to house a creative community with a common interest in artistic pursuits. To accommodate creative work, the units would be larger than is typical, with high ceilings, wide hallways, large doors and other amenities.

Whether this project achieves its goals will depend on which prospective tenants win the lottery and get chosen. And it’s fair to ask: Why should low-income artists — broadly defined — and their families get preference for cheap, government-financed housing in a prime urban location?

For one, the project targets those earning 30 percent, 50 percent and 60 percent of the area median income (AMI) for Honolulu — a woefully underserved demographic, be they artists or not. The project will be managed by the nonprofit EAH Housing, a familiar name in affordable housing in Hawaii.

Supporting the arts for its cultural value to the community also has a long tradition in Hawaii. The state’s Art in Public Places program, which sets aside a portion of public construction funds for acquiring works of art, began in 1967. Besides, if those mural-loving tourists walking, dining and shopping in Kakaako are any indication, art can be good for business.