GOVERNOR, MAYOR BAPTISTE DEDICATE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING ON KAUA`I

December 21 - Governor Lingle joined Kaua‘i Mayor Bryan Baptiste at the blessing and dedication of the Ka Uapo (The Bridge) temporary transitional shelter in Līhu‘e. 

“Ka Uapo will provide homeless families with a safe place to live while they receive services and resources they need to transition into permanent housing,” said Governor Lingle. “This innovative and collaborative public-private partnership offers hope for a better future for working homeless families on Kaua‘i.”

Located at the former courthouse, which is owned by the state, the facility provides temporary transitional housing for 20 families and prepares them for permanent affordable housing units that are scheduled to be built on Kaua‘i over the next two years. 

The project is a collaborative effort between the Mayor’s administration; Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, which will be the service provider and operator of the facility; and the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), which completed the renovation in roughly five months, while keeping the building intact so it could remain on the National Register of Historic Places.  

“DAGS did a really terrific job preparing the building for the families to move in,” said Mayor Baptiste. “It really warms my heart knowing that these families will have a roof over their heads until they can get back on their feet, especially during the holidays. We are proud to partner with the state and KEO to assist those who really need our help.”