Ryan Akamine

The Board discussed and approved the Hawaii Public Housing Authority's Capital Fund Program 5-Year Action Plans for fiscal years 2025-2029 and 2026-2030, along with the operating budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Additionally, the Executive Director provided reports on various redevelopment projects, including School Street Elderly Housing and Ka Lei Momi, as well as updates on property management, maintenance services, and the status of Section 8 subsidy programs.

The board meeting addressed several key operational and developmental items. Discussion topics included the adoption of utility allowance rates for the Section 8 housing program for the upcoming fiscal year, the appointment of a new tenant member to the Federal Eviction Board, a quarterly status update on the Ka Lei Momi redevelopment project, and a report on a fraud complaint involving the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, the Board reviewed reports from the Financial Task Force regarding the operating budget and received updates from the Executive Director on maintenance and leasing activities.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the adoption of a resolution expressing appreciation to Director Susan Kunz and the election of a board secretary. The board discussed and approved property-specific utility allowance rates for the federal low-income public housing program for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board considered the approval of the Annual Public Housing Agency Plan and the Moving to Work Supplement for fiscal year 2027, both of which require submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Further, the board reviewed pre-development budget extensions for the Mayor Wright Homes Redevelopment and authorized executive director actions for related loans. A settlement in a civil litigation matter was also discussed, with provisions for executive session to consult with legal counsel.

The Board meeting addressed several critical items, primarily focusing on adopting Emergency Rules Relating to Eviction. These rules suspend existing regulations and expand non-curable violations to address a significant increase in criminal activity across properties, specifying criteria such as threats to health/safety, criminal convictions, and excessive property damage. The Board also reviewed motions regarding the approval of the Predevelopment Budget and funding for the Kaahumanu Homes Redevelopment and the Lanakila Homes Redevelopment, authorizing the Executive Director to execute necessary loans for predevelopment costs. Additionally, the Board received a quarterly status update on the Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project. Other actions included approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Annual Public Housing Agency Plan and the Moving to Work Supplement, and authorizing the entry into the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for the Mayor Wright Homes Phase 1A Redevelopment. The Board also discussed settlement authorization for a legal case, Karsom, et al. v. State of Hawaii, et al.

The agenda for the meeting primarily concerned action items related to the Kuhio Park Terrace Low-Rise redevelopment project. Key discussions included the approval of an update to the Predevelopment Loan Agreement, Assignment, and Note to reflect KPLR Phase 1, LP as the Updated Borrower, and authorizing the Executive Director to extend the Maturity Date to August 1, 2025, or Closing. The Board also addressed the authorization for the Executive Director to deregister HPHA property in the Land Court System. Further items included discussion of the Single Audit of Federal Financial Assistance Programs and the Executive Director's report covering updates on the Ka Lei Momi Redevelopment Project, occupancy rates, and NSPIRE inspections. The Board also voted to approve the Annual Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the Moving to Work Supplement for the same period. Finally, approval was sought for the transfer of the Master Development Agreement for the Kuhio Park Terrace Low-Rise Project from The Michaels Development Company I, L.P. to HCDC Kuhio Park 1 LLC, and approval of the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for the Low-Rise Phase I redevelopment.