Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has signed two executive orders setting aside parcels of land in Waiakea in South Hilo to be developed by the county into affordable rental housing for the elderly.

The nearly 21 acres of land at property at Komohana and Mohouli Streets will also be used to consolidate various Fire Department facilities.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim asked for the transfer to allow 16 acres to be developed into a 250-unit affordable rental housing project. The county plans to work with the nonprofit Hawai'i Island Community Development Corporation to develop the senior residences.

The second parcel of about five acres would be used for a new Big Island of Hawaii County Fire Department administration and support facility. Those functions are now divided between the Central Fire Station, which is in the tsunami inundation zone, and the county building. Another fire station may also be built at the site later.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources has already approved setting aside the parcels for the county projects. 

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