Anti-Smoking Bill for Public Housing Advances

State Senator Josh Green, the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, introduced Senate Bill 651 which would prohibit smoking within 20 feet of all state and federal public housing buildings, entrances, exists, windows, and ventilation systems.  This anti-smoking legislation would also apply to all common areas such as roofs, halls, sidewalks, lobbies, stairways basements, gardens, and parking areas.  Green stated, "In general I think the state should take a very firm stance against smoking in any public setting, including public housing, because it affects the health of the smokers, and secondhand smoke affects other individuals around them, including children. It's a very clear public health priority for me to diminish smoking statewide, and this (bill) is, as far as I'm concerned, a reasonable piece of that policy."

If a occupant of public-housing violates the anti-smoking policy four times, they could have their lease terminated. Smoking would be defined as "inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying any lighted or heated tobacco product or plant product intended for inhalation in any manner or in any form." The Bill is now going before both chambers for final approval.  If it makes it through the state legislature, it would be sent to Governor Neil Abercrombie for his signature and approval.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-28-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
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Public Housing - Towers at Kuhio Park Completes $135 Million Renovation

The Michaels Development Company and the state of Hawaii had previously entered into an agreement where Michaels received long term leases for various public housing projects in return for completely renovating the buildings that were suffering from significant deferred maintenance.  Kuhio Park Terrance was one such property, and after a two-year long $135 million renovation, the 555 unit building has been renamed the Towers at Kuhio Park.  At a cost of approximately $97,000 per unit, new flooring, windows, doors, appliances, plumbing and electrical features were added.  The kitchens were also opened up to the living room, the lanais were enclosed to increase living space and 33 units were reconfigured for handicap accessibility.  Common areas were also completely redone, and now include two technology centers, a 4,000 sq ft community hall, a community garden, a fitness room, hospitality suites, an expanded medical center and new, large laundry facilities.  Finally, the exterior was also renovated and upgraded, and photovoltaic solar panels and water-conserving plumbing fixtures were added to the building.

Ava Goldman, the president of Michaels Development, stated, "We believe that the renovation of Kuhio Park Towers is a wonderful example of a public agency, like the Hawaii Public Housing (Authority), and a private developer, like Michaels, and a private partner of that developer, the Vitas Group, getting together and saying, ‘How can we improve public housing in this community, and how can we create a community that includes public housing?'"  Interstate Realty Management, an affiliate of Michaels Development, will manage the building.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-14-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
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Hawaii Real Estate – Smokers in Public Housing Could be Evicted

Under a new smoking ban effective immediately, those tenants caught smoking three or more times in apartments or common areas in any of the state’s 85 public housing properties could be evicted. The Hawaii Public Housing Authority would create at least one designated smoking area, but has decided to put the rule in place to make public housing safer and a more pleasant place to live. Tenants would also be prohibited from smoking medical marijuana in their units and public areas other than designated smoking zones.

Executive director for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Hakim Ouansafi, stated, “Our mission is very clear. It’s to provide safe, decent and sanitary housing. This does not mean that public housing should be housing for drug dealers. If you want to live peacefully, welcome. Anybody that’s a criminal or up to no good, I will evict them. That’s my responsibility. At the end of the day, we’re landlords. We manage it (public housing) on behalf of taxpayers.” Ouansafi added that the smoking ban would help to create a “safe and healthy environment for all of our tenants.”

Ouansafi stated that there will probably be a 30-day grace period before violation notice are issued. Ouansafi added that out of the 6,000 public housing households, only about 17 people have opposed it. According to the Smoke-free Environments Law Project based in Michigan, approximately 10 percent of public housing authorities nationwide have already banned smoking and the federal government is encouraging more states to do so.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-6-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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Kuhio Park Terrace - Upgraded Public Housing Nearing Completion

Formerly known as the Kuhio Park Terrace, the Towers at Kuhio Park are now accepting applications as their $135 million renovation project nears completion.  There are currently 58 units being released during this first phase, with rents ranging from $1,158 per month for a one bedroom to $1,607 per month for a three bedroom.  Applicants desiring a one bedroom must have a family income of between $34,740 to $55,620.  Three bedroom units, which may legally house up to seven people, must have tenants with a family income of between $48,210 and $76,680.  The complex was originally built in 1963, but had suffered from neglect and deferred maintenance over the years.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 10-2-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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Increase in Public Housing Also Means More jobs

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has announced a big push to increase the number of public housing units available in the State of Hawaii.  The plan is to take older out-of-order units which are currently unfit for occupancy and to renovate them and make the habitable.  These units will then be placed back into the rental pool.  One side benefit to this plan is the fact that the Housing Authority will be hiring up to 50 full-time employees to renovate these units and keep them maintained.

Executive Director for the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Hakim Ouansafi, stated that there are currently 500 or so units that are out-of-order. Ouansafi noted that this is costing the state approximately $3.8 million a year in federal money because of the fact that they unoccupied.  The goal is to have all of these units back on line within the next 18 months.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-8-2012, www.staradvertiser.com

Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®

Global Executive Realty, LLC

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