“If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move a mountain.” 

–Art Hansen, architect and founder of Mustard Seed Miracle 

Arthur Hansen, a prominent figure in the world of affordable housing on Oahu, passed away on February 20, 2021 at the age of 100. 

As a retired architect (who designed buildings like the Prince Kuhio Hotel and Makiki Towers, among others), he used his time and skills to help low-income families build homes of their very own with Habitat for Humanity.  

In addition to working behind the scenes, Art led groups of volunteers on countless construction projects. Judy Esaki, a volunteer who worked alongside Art in the 90s, recalls his boundless dedication: “He was out there every Saturday and Sunday, often working until dark.” 

Art felt most at home while building houses and improving the lives of others – “this is my church,” he would say.  

In 2015, after years of volunteering with Habitat, Art partnered with Tim Shaw, a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, to establish Mustard Seed Miracle, a non-profit housing organization. 

Sharing similar values and missions, Honolulu Habitat worked with Art (first as a dedicated volunteer, then with his organization) on several projects over the years.  

When it came to helping families achieve their dream of homeownership, he moved mountains of obstacles so neighbors in our communities could live without worry. He gave us all faith and hope for a better Oahu. 

His actions over his lifetime truly embodied his values: God, Service, and Aloha. We are saddened by his passing and comforted by his legacy. 

Click here to make a donation in memory of Art Hansen.