Palolo Homes
A complex of 63 two-story apartment buildings with a total of 306 units, Palolo Homes is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood in Palolo Valley in Honolulu, within easy reach of the shops and restaurants along Waiʻalae Avenue in the neighborhood of Kaimuki. Palolo Homes is also close to the campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Chaminade University, and Kapiʻolani Community College, all of which offer opportunities for continuing education, vocational training, and entertainment. Strong community leadership at Palolo Homes insures a safe, supportive living environment in which individuals and families can thrive.
In 2002, Mutual Housing assumed ownership of the Palolo Homes complex in Honolulu and completed a $17.5 million renovation of the property one year later. Residents continue to reap the benefits of this initiative in many ways. The Palolo Homes apartment buildings are secure and well maintained, and an array of programs, services, and resources make it possible for residents to pursue their personal and career goals. In 2008, Palolo Homes opened its $1.7 million Palolo ʻOhana Learning Center (POLC), which serves as the hub for supportive service programs and includes a computer lab, health nurse station, demonstration kitchen, reading room, classrooms and meeting areas.
Resident Services Programs
Palolo Homes shows its commitment to lifelong learning with many programs and resources.
- Through the Palolo ʻOhana Learning Center After School Program, also known as the “Palolo Pipeline,” college students from Kapiʻolani Community College, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and Chaminade University, along with a variety of volunteers assist children of all ages with homework, research, computers, reading, math, science and class projects or displays. The college students earn service-learning credits and the children benefit from the tutoring and mentoring.
- The Palolo Discovery Science Center is under development thanks to funding and assistance from EPSCoR, a National Science Foundation grant from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in cooperation with Kapiʻolani Community College. The Science Center is open to students, ages eight and up, who are involved in a range of Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) oriented learning projects provided by Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) such as robotics, computers, growing plants via aquaponics and monitoring the energy production of the Center’s solar panel.
- Iolani School provides early education classes during the summer for children ages 3 to 5 year old. This program works with children who may not have had prior pre-school experience and prepares them with basic skills for kindergarten.
Palolo Homes is also committed to fostering strong and cooperative relationships within its community.
- The Palolo Tenants Association (PTA) resident board is made up of five elected officers who meet monthly. The Tenants Association facilitates open discussion among residents as well as clear communication with representatives from Mutual Housing, local schools, the Honolulu Police Department, and other community entities. The PTA also coordinates resources, programs, and activities, including large community events.
- Ethnic Council Representatives are selected by their peers from each of the ethnic groups living in Palolo Homes and provide translation assistance, promote cultural understanding, work to overcome communication barriers, and help resolve conflicts.
- Educational forums about the various cultures represented in Palolo Homes also help sustain respectful relationships among all community members.
- Through the Palolo ʻOhana Program (POP), families gather on one evening each week to show their support for each other, discuss the challenges of raising children, and learn about available resources that can support their efforts.
- Palolo Homes is one of the Hawai‘i Food Bank’s largest distribution hubs. Distributions take place three times each month.
- Palolo Homes is proud to work with Public Health Nurses and Nursing Students from UH Mānoa and Chaminade University to maintain a robust Emergency Preparedness program.
Location
Palolo Homes
2170 Ahe Street
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96816
Rental Applications
The waitlist for Palolo Homes is maintained by the State’s Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority. Please see Section 8 information at http://www.hcdch.state.hi.us/ or call their offices at (808) 832-6040.
“Pride of Palolo” Video
You can view a documentary on the history of the Palolo Homes community and its transformation by downloading this “You Tube ” video Pride of Palolo Video.