Waiahole Valley Build

The Panoncial Family is partnering with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity to build a safe, clean and simple two bedroom home in Waiahole Valley to replace their current structure, which will be demolished because it is not safe for habitation. The Panoncials are honest, hard working people who put their heart and soul into the community.  Now it’s their turn!  This project will start soon.  We will announce the groundbreaking here on our web site and on Facebook, so get your sunscreen ready and gloves in hand!

The Fuller home was dedicated on Saturday, March 31st in Waimanalo.
Congratulations to the family, Habitat staff and board, and all of our
volunteers who contributed to the completion of our 66th home.
For more photos check out Honolulu Habitat for Humanity Facebook !!

The Completed home!

Father Gomes and Lehua Fuller

Lehua receiving her keys!

Lehua and her wonderful family!

Honolulu Habitat for Humantiy celebrates their Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Sam Snead’s Tavern and Restaurant to honor those who manifest their mission – their dedicated and hardworking volunteers.

The evening featured a traditional Oli by Hulali Fuller-Vares and Moana Boyd, music by Shoji Ledward, a hula performance by Hulali Fuller-Vares, a Year in Review, silent auction, door prizes, and presentation of four volunteer awards.

This year’s Fran Brossy Lifetime Achievement Award (photo right) went to Mr. Paul Matsuda who has served on the Building Committee as a member and chairperson since 2008,and has helped our affiliate standardize building plans, bring down the cost of construction by introducing us to new vendors and contractors, and plan for LEED certification in 2012. He has personally done the site  layout work for many of our projects, and led the committee to propose  solutions to difficult land and site issues. Also a prior member of the Board of Directors, Paul has demonstrated strong leadership for 4 years. 

The R. Dana Lundquist Award (photo left) went to Mr. Kamu Hekekia who has volunteered at the Fuller site every Saturday since its groundbreaking in addition to the ReStore when needed. A dedicated volunteer, he has overcome his fear of heights and has committed to get any job done. He has graced other volunteers with his warmth and friendly nature, and has helped volunteers feel comfortable and empowered to learn new things. Hulali Fuller-Vares, Lehua Fuller’s daughter, accepted the award on behalf of Kamu.

Ms. Onita McDaniel received this year’s President’s Award (photo right) for her outstanding administrative skills, dedication and leadership, and fabulous energy that she brings to the office. Onita has volunteered on several Habitat homes in the past and has now willingly and humbly made herself available to all facets in office administration from accounting to giftwrap scheduling to managing the volunteer registry. She has contributed so many of her skills and talents, and has helped Honolulu Habitat for Humanity move forward in so many ways.

 The Faith in Action Award (photo left) went to Makiki Christian Church, an active supporter of Honolulu Habitat by making monthly in-kind donations and serving as lunch and build partners for more than 10 years. They embody Habitat’s Mission by being committed and consistent servants to communities in need, and they continue to spread awareness by sharing the values of Habitat and volunteer opportunities with friends and other community groups such as Beta Sigma Phi.  

A big mahalo to all our volunteers, donors, and business partners for making Honolulu Habitat for Humanity’s work possible. Thank you for making this evening a special one to remember. More photos can be viewed on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/habitathnl

All photo credits go to Mr. William DeRamus

Hammers for Heroes, a state-wide project,  has already created many wonderful memories for the volunteers who are helping to build or revitalize homes for veterans. There are 21 projects going on throughout Hawaii, December 1 – 7th. Hammers for Heroes is made possible through the very generous sponsorship of Lowe’s. We are half-way through the project and already we have received great coverage of the events. Click on the following links to see each story:

KITV-4
Hawaii News Now
KHON-2
The Maui News
For Kauai Online
Veterans View.com

You can also check out our FaceBook page to see additional pictures of the event. Honolulu Habitat will hold three additional events in the coming days. Active duty military members will volunteer to help Wallace Bailey on the build site on the 5th and 6th. On December 7th, Honolulu Habitat will present a wreath  in the Pacific National Monument to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

In 2010, American Savings Bank provided a $25,000 grant to Honolulu Habitat for Humanity (HHH) to help build a four-bedroom, two-bath home for the Naone-Bailey Family in Papakolea.  On Saturday, November 19, they graced us with their mana (energy) and provided their time and labor to assist in the actual build out of the home. American Savings Bank is literally saving communities, working alongside our ohanas to help them grow and prosper. We are grateful for their generous and genuine contributions.

American Savings Bank afforded the worksite 15 builders for each shift, a four hour shift in the morning and afternoon, totaling approximately 30 American Savings Bank Honolulu Habitat volunteers for the day! Together, alongside the Naone/Bailey family and skilled volunteers, they successfully placed the last coat of drywall mud and sanded the walls throughout the interior of the house, and finished caulking and puttying the eaves, fascia, and trims around the exterior of the house. Additionally, they primed and installed the skirt trims, stair treads, lanai posts, and helped build the lanai railings and caps. Go team!

Everyone earned a fabulously prepared lunch organized and served by an amazing group of children, staff, parents, and volunteers from Down Syndrome Ohana of Hawai’i, who made the day that much more satisfying. Thank you to all our supporters who came out that day including Board Member, Liz Char for extending the Board’s support, and Habitat Lead Photographer, Norm Shapiro for capturing wonderful memories of the many helping hands of Habitat.