About Honolulu Habitat

Honolulu Habitat for Humanity (HHH) is a grass-roots organization affiliated with the worldwide movement of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Our goal is to use local resources (both labor and financial support) to eliminate poverty housing on Oahu. We recruit help from individuals, churches, and businesses who work together in equal partnership with families in need.

How does HHH accomplish its goal?
Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds homes with the help of the homeowners. Houses are sold at no profit to partnering families, and no-interest mortgages are issued over a fixed period. Currently, a Habitat house on Oahu costs approximately $90,000. Small monthly payments, including mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance are repaid over 20 years and deposited into a revolving "Fund for Humanity" which supports the construction of more homes.

What do partnering families contribute?
Habitat is not a give away program, but rather a joint venture in which those who benefit from the housing ministry are involved in the work at various levels. Each homeowner family is required to invest 500 "sweat equity" hours into the construction of their home. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among family members, and generates stronger relationships in the community.

How many homes have been built by Honolulu Habitat?
63 homes have been completed since 1988. Honolulu Habitat for Humanity will build new homes in partnership with 2 more families in 2009 and at least 4 more families in 2010.

Can my family get a home through HHH?
Qualifying families must attend an Information Meeting before applying for a Habitat house. For more information and to sign up for our next Information Meeting, please call the office at (808) 538-7070.

How can I get involved in HHH?
Volunteers are always needed for construction, committees, and office work. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit our Volunteer Page.

2009 Board of Directors
Board Officers
Janel Yoshimoto, President, Chun Rair & Yoshimoto; Genie Brown, Treasurer;  Ty Nohara, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs.

Board Members                                                                                                                                        
Phil Camp, Hawaii Architecture; Jon Eto, Oceanic Time Warner Cable; Daniel Fong, Hawaii National Bank; Garrett Kam, International Steel Concepts Corporation, Marnie Koga Hursty, Mega Construction;  Paul Matsuda, Gray Hong Nojima & Associates; Lance Ming, Central Pacific Bank, Tara Young, The Marathon Group.