The County of Hawai‘i is accepting applications for phase 3 of the Voluntary Housing Buyout Program (VHBP).

Phase 3, which runs from Monday, July 18 through Oct. 31, 2022, focuses on eligible properties that are undeveloped or vacant. Applications are currently being accepted for eligible primary and secondary homes and long-term rentals.

The County’s VHBP staff are processing over 450 applications for primary and secondary residences from the first two phases of the program. The first five buyout properties were acquired in June 2022.

Purchase offers for eligible applicants are based on the 2017 pre-eruption, appraised market value by the County’s Real Property Tax Division, up to $230,000 for eligible primary and secondary residence property. Following an action plan substantial amendment process with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a public engagement process, the County was approved to establish a maximum grant award of $22,000 for undeveloped property. Primary and secondary homes that applied during the first phases of the program have already committed nearly 85% of the HUD funds for the program and an additional 10% of the funds will be used for program delivery and administrative costs. The County aims to use the remaining approximately 5% of the funds for undeveloped properties but cautions that additional primary and secondary home applications submitted during Phase 3 could reduce remaining funds significantly.

The funding for the VHBP through HUD requires at least 70% of program funds serve the low to moderate-income (LMI) households. To make sure the funds are serving those who need them the most, a ranking system was put into place that scores applications based on multiple factors. These factors include whether the eligible property was a residence or undeveloped, household income of the applicants, the extent of damage from the eruption, and the availability of public road access. Acquired properties will be owned by the County and managed as open space to reduce risks from future eruptions.

Click here to view further information on the application process.  For questions, call 808-961-8996 or email kilaueabuyout@hawaiicounty.gov.