The affordable housing issue in Hawaii is a long-standing problem and it continues to be one of the biggest issues facing the state today.

To some, like Neal Milner, it’s being called a “disaster,” as he points out in an opinion piece, “Neal Milner: Treat Hawaii’s Housing Shortage Like The Disaster It Is.”

I don’t question the way Mr. Milner describes the state’s dire housing situation, but what I do not agree with is his inaccurate portrayal of Avalon Group’s 7000 Hawaii Kai Drive apartment rental complex, which provides much-needed housing for some 269 families and individuals. Not only that, but 54 out of the 269 units are affordable housing units.

Instead of adding to this so-called disaster of a housing situation in Hawaii, 7000 Hawaii Kai did the complete opposite and will continue to do so – contribute much-needed rental and for-sale housing options in the state.

Mr. Milner totally missed the mark in his opinion piece by using 7000 Hawaii Kai’s recently announced condominium conversion as an example of the state’s housing crisis. On top of that, comparing 7000 Hawaii Kai tenants to refugees of a flood or a volcano, is just completely off-base and reckless.

For one, and most importantly, no one – I repeat, no one – is getting evicted or kicked out. Instead, all existing leases are being honored.

What’s important to point out here is that no affordable rental housing units will be lost through this condo-conversion.

Additionally, at least half of the units will be sold to owner-occupants, while the other half of the units will be open to investors who would likely continue to rent the units. All of this is in accordance to state law.

All of the current tenants will also have the first right of purchase, which gives many renters who have always wanted to own their own homes, a chance to realize that dream.

7000 Hawaii Kai was built with families in mind, being one of the very few apartment rental complexes with three- and four-bedroom units, and it’s also pet-friendly. Many enjoy living there and will continue to do so.

The decision behind the condo-conversion of 7000 Hawaii Kai was not an easy one but something that had to be done.

With refinancing coming up and interest rates having gone up significantly, it just doesn’t work out as a rental apartment complex anymore. So, in essence, we are selling the units to preserve the affordable units.

There’s no question that there’s an affordable housing crisis in Hawaii, but instead of doling out inaccuracies, let’s focus on the facts – 7000 Hawaii Drive will continue to satisfy the huge housing demand in the state, essentially making it a shining solution to this so-called disaster of a housing situation in Hawaii.

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