Public housing getting facelift

The state has chosen a New Jersey-based company to undertake a $316 million redevelopment of Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes, which will include a one-for-one replacement of public housing units along with the addition of 276 subsidized, senior and market rate rental units.

Construction is expected to begin in 2011, and is expected to last about 10 years.

Michaels Development Co. beat out a California affordable housing development company for the Kalihi project. Michaels has completed several similar rehab projects at public housing projects on the Mainland.

Chad Taniguchi, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, said the two 16-floor towers at Kuhio Park Terrace will remain standing as part of the redevelopment plan. At least one mid-level high-rise will be added to the property.