A resolution to allow leases of six county-owned residential properties to nonprofits to provide “long-term permanent housing for underserved populations who face significant barriers to secure, safe and affordable housing” was shelved for a second time last week by the County Council Finance Committee.
The committee on Tuesday voted 7-0 — with Councilwomen Ashley Kierkiewicz of Puna and Michelle Galimba of Ka‘u excused — to table Resolution 425-26 until the committee’s April 7 meeting. The request for the postponement of Resolution 425-26 came from the county’s Office of Housing and Community Development.
“We’re requesting a postponement until April 7 to compile all the information that council has requested, OHCD Administrator Kehaulani Costa told the committee. “We’ve also asked (Corporation Counsel) to provide us with a legal memo in regards to … the federal Fair Housing Act and Adults With Disabilities Act and related laws, just to make sure we are in compliance with those laws, that the direction that’s being given to us is in compliance with those federal laws.”
A property at 76 Makani Circle in Hilo’s Waiakea Uka neighborhood was taken off the inventory of houses in the resolution, which would be leased to the nonprofits for $10 each per year. The county’s plan for that home, purchased in October by OHCD for $809,000, irked many in the neighborhood, and testimony against the lease prompted the nonprofit, Going Home Hawaii, to pull out of the deal.
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Still, all but one of the testifiers Tuesday were from the Makani Circle neighborhood, all opposing the resolution, voicing the same concerns about potential residents having a negative impact on the family-oriented neighborhood, and a perceived lack of transparency by the county surrounding its plans for the property and the others.
Tom Callis, spokesman for Mayor Kimo Alameda, told the Tribune-Herald earlier this month the federal funding requires the homes purchased be used for “long-term affordable housing” which, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, requires it to be leased for six months or longer.
Makani Circle resident Joan Toledo called the purchase of the homes by OHCD with the intent to lease cheaply to nonprofits that provide rehabilitative services to individuals with special needs “a poor use of money.”
“The use of these homes will not meet the intent stated to be for long-term leases, but will be revolving doors of tenants coming and leaving, because the long-term leases are with the nonprofits, not with the tenants,” Toledo said. “As regards 76 Makani Circle, while this property was removed from the resolution at the March 3 meeting, it is still with OHCD, and we still do not know what will be done.”
Marsha Krieger said she was concerned by both the ethics surrounding the sale and purchase of the property and “the continued lack of transparency” by the county.
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“We’ve been told over and over that we don’t need to be told, we don’t need to be informed,” Krieger said. “President Lincoln once said of our government it is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what I see is an administration that doesn’t want to collaborate, doesn’t want to communicate. Instead, it wants to dictate.”
Krieger urged the council and the administration to act in a manner to “encourage a more transparent and service-oriented mindset moving forward.”
Dave Baptiste suggested the properties could be rented to traveling nurses and doctors, many of whom work at Hilo Benioff Medical Center, saying, “They could actually help the community.”
“I’d rather not have bringing back any kind of a rehab or halfway home. It’s not a great idea,” he said.
Ashley Ferraro, an Orchidland Estates resident, said she had received services years ago as a homeless mother and later worked as a homeless outreach coordinator for a nonprofit she declined to name for “privacy” concerns. Ferraro testified against the measure.
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She said she was “particularly concerned” about a 4,472-square-foot multi-family home at 16-1397 35th Ave. in Orchidland purchased by the county for $840,000 in November. According to the resolution, OHCD wants to lease the property to HOPE Services Hawaii, a homeless services provider.
“This street is a home to many families with young children,” Ferraro said. “While we have excellent organizations that provide 24/7 staff on site for the safety of multi-households, there’s no guarantee that this will be the case. Moreover, there are no council meetings where the public can vote on which organization will be allocated to lease these residences.
“This lack of transparency is troubling, as there are numerous issues within the system that put neighborhoods at risk for increased crime. It’s misleading to claim that these permanent housing residences don’t function as transitional housing.”
Douglas Halsted, an attorney and Makani Circle resident, said he received “a very nice email” at the end of the business day last Monday from OHCD’s private secretary seeking payment prior to supplying documents he’d requested Feb. 11 through the Freedom of Information Act.
“I feel (OHCD) has continued to stonewall to make it difficult for citizens and for the council to analyze and to review the information sought,” Halsted told council members. “I will purchase what I have and forward it to you. I think the appropriate course, based on this conduct, is for you to deny the amended resolution until and unless you receive all the information relevant, that you need to make an informed decision.”
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Halsted said he believes the property purchases “were made without any clear link to an articulated county housing policy.”
“Perhaps I feel the money could’ve been more effectively spent by purchasing other than luxury, high-end homes,” he said. “I don’t think that’s the answer. I understand (OHCD) was under pressure to spend the unused grant money. You know, housing doesn’t cure the social problems. The individuals who have those types of special needs will still have those special needs when they move in. So there has to be other services brought to it. The county may have bought a potential $6 million mess. If the many issues I and other citizens have raised … are not addressed up front for the seven purchases, we run the risk of future losses and claims, and the county will hold the proverbial bag.”
The other county-owned properties listed in the resolution are:
— 73-4338 Napoo Place in Kona Palisades, bought for $1.28 million in October, with Hale Kipa the prospective lessee.
— 74-5068 Kealapua St. in Kona Chocho Estates, bought for $990,000 in October, with Mental Health Kokua the prospective lessee.
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— 15-1393 29th Ave, in Hawaiian Paradise Park, bought for $530,000 in October, with Hope Services Hawaii the prospective lessee.
— 81-994 Hale Keekee Place in Kealakekua, bought for $1.25 million in October, with Mental Health Kokua the prospective lessee.
— 2089 Kinoole St. in Waiakea Homestead Houselots, bought for $860,000 in October, with Big Island Substance Abuse Council the prospective lessee.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with murder in the killings of three people in a remote community known for its eclectic, communal lifestyle.
Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree murder Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release.
Baker remained jailed without bond Sunday and police said his first court appearance was scheduled for Monday. It was not immediately known if Baker had an attorney who could speak for him.
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Charges in the killings came two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the three victims were found in the rural Puna community known for its tropical landscape and free-spirited residents.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, according to police. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was discovered Tuesday a few hundred feet away. Friends identified him as Chitta Morse.
Police found the third victim, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles from where the other two bodies were located.
Police have not given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has said investigators found no connections among the victims other than that two of them lived near each other.
In addition to the murder charges, Baker also faces counts of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property.
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The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a community set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields where people seeking to live off-grid commonly trade work for lodging.
Puna resident Stephen Shaffer said that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees on land where she grows fruit, in exchange for a place to live. After several months, Shaffer said, his ex-wife sought a restraining order against Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker left the cabin where he had been living months ago. Hyatt said that Baker recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.
Just days before the killings, two women had requested temporary restraining orders against Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, according to court records. A judge denied both applications, saying there was not enough proof of harassment.
Court records showed Baker named in 20 other cases in the past two decades, many of them traffic infractions. In most of those cases, Baker had no attorney and represented himself.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Overlooking Hilo, Hawaii.
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
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People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Rolling green pastureland with white fences near Waimea, Hawaii’s Big Island.
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
A couple walks along Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Kaua’i, Hawai’i.
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Shops in downtown Kapa’a in Hawaii. Image credit bluestork via Shutterstock.com
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Overlooking Kailua, Oahu.
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
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Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Aerial view of Haleiwa, Hawaii.
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Waikele Premium Outlets in Honolulu County, near Wahiawa, Hawaii. Image credit ARTYOORAN via Shutterstock.com
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
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Makawao
The town of Makawao sits on the slope of the Haleakala volcano in Maui.
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Downtown Pahoa, Hawaii. Image credit Chris Allan via Shutterstock
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Overlooking Honoka’a, Hawaii.
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
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Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
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“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
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