Breaking Ground in Papakolea
On the morning of Wednesday, April 28th, four generations of the Kalaluhi ohana gathered to commemorate a new chapter in their family story. The normally quiet Anianiku Street in Papakolea was lined with cars and abuzz with quiet anticipation.
“This is a new beginning for us. We are so excited to bless our land and family before the start of the build,” said Elaine Kalaluhi, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter on the site of her future Habitat home. The 6 bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is expected to be completed later this year.
Hinaleimoana “Kumu Hina” Wong conducted the blessing and pule, followed by the mele ‘Ekolu Mea Nui that all in attendance joined in unison.
“We are honored and thrilled to be back in Papakolea, working alongside this incredible community,” said Jim Murphy, Honolulu Habitat Executive Director.
The construction of the new home for the Kalaluhi family is made possible in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and NAHASDA funding.
The blessing was also attended by Gladys Marrone, Executive Director of NAREIT Hawaii. The Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative awarded a grant of $120,000 to Honolulu Habitat earlier this year to support the construction of six new homes – including the project in Papakolea.
“We applaud the dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, and are proud to partner with them on their efforts to put families into affordable, new homes. Directly aligned with our own mission, the quality of this new home in Papakolea will lay a solid foundation that generations of this family can build upon, and it helps strengthen the fabric of this close-knit community,“ said Marrone, as she congratulated the Kalaluhi family on this important moment in their journey toward homeownership.
Opportunities to volunteer on the Kalaluhi build site are being announced weekly. Click here to view our build calendar or contact volunteer@honoluluhabitat.org for more information.
