Residents and organizations in Kaua‘i looking for a financial leg-up on projects that aim to enhance their community can mark their calendars. According to a recent announcement by the County of Kaua‘i Housing Agency, the application process for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is set to open this Friday, with a deadline for submissions by November 13 at 4:30 p.m.
With the goal of strengthening local neighborhoods, these grants focus on providing affordable housing, creating economic opportunities, and fostering suitable living environments for low- and moderate-income individuals. This year’s virtual info meeting is scheduled for October 8 at 2 p.m., detailing the application procedure; however, it is important to keep an eye on the County’s website for the required connection details, given how essential it is to secure this funding opportunity.
For the hands-on community members, in-person meetings are slated, details are as follows: October 6 at the Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center, October 15 at the Waimea Neighborhood Center, and October 20 at Līhu‘e Civic Center's Mo‘ikeha Building. These gatherings serve as a platform for public comment and discuss the nuts and bolts of the CDBG funding.
The agency's track record of channeling CDBG funds into vital community projects, like services for the homeless, youth education, and substance abuse programs boasts of tangible benefits that reaffirm the program’s importance, and it's also calling for input on the first year of its 2025–2030 Five-Year Consolidated Plan (CP) along with the 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP), the plans tackling housing, homelessness, and broader community development needs. Feedback to these plans can be mailed or emailed with the cut-off date being the same as the grant application deadline—November 13.
Accessibility is a priority, so closed captioning will be available for the October 8 webinar, and those who need additional support, like an ASL interpreter, materials in a different format, or language interpretation, should reach out to the Housing Agency at [email protected] or dial 808-242-4444 pronto to have their needs met.
