GOVERNOR RENEWS COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT KUKUI GARDENS CELEBRATION

December 18 - Highlighting her Administration's commitment to providing increased affordable housing for Hawai`i residents and their families, Governor Lingle joined Kukui Gardens residents at a ceremony to celebrate the purchase of the 22-acre property.

"You are all very fortunate because you have long-term assurance that you will have safe, decent and affordable housing; but not everyone is as fortunate," the Governor told Kukui Gardens residents.

She asked for residents' support as her Administration works to increase the number of affordable rental housing in the State and encouraged the community to make their voices heard.

The $131 million Kukui Gardens purchase agreement preserves affordable rents at the property for 55 more years.

Governor Lingle thanked the residents and community partners for their dedication and highlighted the role the State played in preserving 857 units as affordable rental housing.

"We never considered it an option to lose such a large number of affordable rental housing units," she said.  "The Administration and State Legislature worked side by side with residents and advocates to preserve the long-term affordability of this housing."