Supporting Hawai‘i’s Educators
HISFA was created in 2020 to be a smaller, more nimble state agency separate from HIDOE. Act 172 provided HISFA the powers to partner with public and private development agencies to develop housing projects on school lands.
The Hawai‘i State Legislature identified a number of high priority areas for teacher workforce housing and school sites, including Mililani High School, Nānākuli High and Middle School, and Waipahu High School. Legislators selected Mililani to be the site for the state’s first teacher workforce housing development because of its central location on O‘ahu and ability to serve multiple districts.
The development will provide educators and staff working or wishing to live in the Mililani area with affordable rental housing at below-market rates. The project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2030. Please note that the project’s timeline, features, and amenities may change as planning progresses.
Mililani Project Overview
The Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation was selected through an RFP process to lead the Mililani project, guided by HISFA’s goals, an understanding of Hawai‘i’s teacher shortage, and valuable insights from teachers themselves. To shape a development that truly meets educators' needs, Pacific Housing contracted a local firm to conduct qualitative research through focus group interviews with current and future teachers at different stages of their teaching career, both in Hawai‘i and on the mainland. This research was initially used to inform key aspects of the project, including proposed site selection, proposed design, unit mix, amenities, and programs. HISFA and Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation are building on these preliminary findings through conversations with the principal, teachers, and students of Mililani High School and others in the Mililani community to refine the proposed plans, including the site of the teacher workforce housing on the campus.
There is a world of possibilities on the wish list. Preliminary plans include 109 junior one-bedroom, standard one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units to offer a range of affordability and living options. One unit will be reserved for a resident manager and the project will provide secured, on-site parking. A daycare with a covered play area and dedicated parking is proposed on the ground floor.
Other amenities suggested by teachers to support their busy lives include:
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A fitness center
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Collaboration spaces for social gatherings and educational workshops
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A teacher resource room with supplies to help teachers plan classroom activities
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On-site laundry facilities
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Green spaces for relaxation and recreation
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Storage lockers and bicycle and surfboard racks
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A dog park
With over 22,000 Department of Education employees, the need for workforce housing is significant. This project is an alternative way to provide modern housing facilities using public-private partnerships with minimal cost to taxpayers.
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– Riki Fujitani, SFA Executive Director
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About Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation
Founded in 1980, Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation is a nonprofit organization that has played a pivotal role in the development of over 60 properties across Hawai‘i. Their initiatives have enabled the creation of affordable homeownership and rental housing to address the critical housing needs of Hawai‘i’s diverse communities.
Project Team
Cheri Nakamura