Suit filed against Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority

Calling the state “the largest slumlord” in Hawaiʻi, Lawyers for Equal Justice filed federal and state class-action lawsuits Thursday against the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority.

The legal action, which was joined by several private attorneys and six tenants, addresses conditions at two of the largest and oldest public housing properties in the state—Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes in Kalihi on Oʻahu. Kuhio Park Terrace, or KPT, has 614 units in two 16-floor towers. Kuhio Homes is a low-rise complex with 134 units.

The suit alleges the housing authority isn’t following federal inspection and maintenance standards at the two housing projects, and has also failed to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.