Successful Kaua‘i nonprofit now working on first affordable housing project on Big Island

May 13, 2023

Nathan Christophel

KAPA‘A — For about a year, Jim Edmonds' Kauaʻi-based nonprofit was searching for the perfect property to develop its first affordable housing project on the Big island — and two months ago it was found in Pepeʻekeo. The 5 .5-acre property on gently sloping land fronted by a stream has views of Hilo Bay and is next to Kulaʻimano County Park. “After doing many projects and subdivisions, I have learned that if you listen to the land, it will tell you what it wants to do. This Pepeʻekeo land spoke to us,” said the 78-year-old Edmonds, founder and executive director of PAL Kauaʻi... read more

Affordable housing nonprofit buys Hoku Foods building in Kapa‘a

February 10, 2023

Guthrie Scrimgeour

KAPA‘A — The affordable housing nonprofit Permanently Affordable Living has bought the Hoku Building in Kapa‘a, which features 14 apartments and Hoku Foods Natural Market. The buyers consider the purchase an “affordability preservation project” and guaranteed that rents would either be stabilized or reduced. Though they also develop new affordable housing, PAL has been focused on purchasing existing buildings, which can provide affordable apartments at a lower cost... read more

Spotlight

Jim Edmonds Makes Kauaʻi Brighter

December 14, 2022

MidWeek Newspaper

HAWAI'I — When REALTOR© Jim Edmonds, member of the National Association of REALTORS©, saw multi-generational, local families leaving their ancestral home on Kauaʻi due to skyrocketing real estate prices and rent, he knew his professional expertise could help. Jim started PAL (Permanently Affordable Living) Kauaʻi, an organization dedicated to developing affordable housing. PAL Kauaʻi has purchased 27 apartments in addition to creating PAL Construction Company, which has broken ground to build 45 units to offer stable, affordable housing to longtime residents.

Lives Re-Rooted

Fall 2022

REALTOR Magazine

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National news — Hawaii’s westernmost island of Kaua’i is best known as an idyllic vacation destination, a beautiful getaway for relaxation and rejuvenation. For many locals, the story is entirely different. Kaua’i is struggling with a severe housing shortage that is forcing native Hawaiians to leave the island permanently. Half of all homes sold on Kaua’i are purchased by non-locals, and 85% of all building permits are pulled by newcomers. Today, there are more native Hawaiians living on the mainland than in Hawaii, but Jim Edmonds is working to change that. read more