The city has awarded a $523,517 contract to Container Storage of Hawaii, Ltd. to construct the container living units at Hale Mauliola transitional housing and services center at Sand Island with the first units to be available in October.

The $523,517 contract will be implemented in three phases and serve as transitional housing for up to 83 persons in 25 containers by the end of the year.

Twenty units will be available to couples, 39 units to individuals, and four of the 63 total units will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Each unit will be separate and lockable, offering security and privacy to inhabitants. Insulation, reflective exterior coating, screen shade over roofs, screen doors, and screen windows will be used to keep the units cool. The one-acre site will also have showers, bathrooms and dining areas.

The city, in a news release, said phase one includes the installation of the first nine containers with an estimated delivery date of Oct. 30.

An additional eight containers will be installed for phases 2 and 3, with anticipated delivery dates of Nov. 27 and Dec. 18, respectively, for a total of 25 containers.

The Institute of Human Services was previously awarded the services contract for Hale Mauliola, which includes the operation of an intake center and program office as well as case management.

Pets will be allowed as long as they are not dangerous. Hale Mauliola will feature 24-hour security and staffing.