Micro Units, A Solution For Hawaii’s Housing Shortage

300-square feet micro studio apartments suitable for maximum two people are coming to Kakkako, Honolulu. The affordable housing project will build on state owned property that is currently used as a parking lot with an eight story, 70 units building.

Hawaii has had a shortage of housing and to solve this problem Hawaii Community Development Authority published a request for proposals to build micro units on Cooke St. The HCDA is planning to build the apartment with affordable monthly rent to residents earning less than median income in Honolulu, which is $57,800 for a single person and $66,100 for two people.

The demanding for affordable housing is related to changing demographics and economic conditions. Recent trends show a rapid increase in single person households which is attributed to increasing numbers of single parents, divorced couples or unmarried couples. Using data from Kakaako, Urban Core Living. 2014 released by Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, one person households increased from12% in 1960 to 23% in 2010. However family households decreased from 56% in 1960 to 20% in 2010. Elderly population also has an effect on the housing needs. Hawaii Department of Health expects 20% Oahu’s population will be aged 65 years or older by 2030. Therefore Older populations will require housing that  is affordable, well-located and easily accessible to necessary services. Also, among different income groups developing affordable housing is very important since rising housing prices influence on middle income and low income groups alike.

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About the Author

Brandon Lau grew up in Kailua and currently resides in Honolulu with his wife Andee and children Caylah, Elijah, and David. His eighteen years in real estate led him to become a Partner at ChaneyBrooks Choice Advisors. Over the past 10 years he has developed the team and systems that has created a high level of service and value for his clients.

What differentiates Brandon and his team is his consultative approach to real estate. He advises clients with relevant data and expert insight to help them make the best choices in real estate. Good choices in planning for long term dispositions, negotiating for the best price or knowing when not to pursue an investment are ways his consultative services will give you an advantage in the marketplace. His bottom line is providing service with the utmost integrity and expertise.