Ten Hawaiian homestead families now have keys to their very own homes in the La‘i ‘Ōpua subdivision of Kailua-Kona. The homes were built during Habitat for Humanity West Hawai‘i’s “Blitz Build” event in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), La‘i ‘Ōpua 2020 and The Villages of La‘i ‘Ōpua Association.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is incredibly important as most of these families are becoming homeowners for the very first time,” said Jobie Masagatani, chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands director. “Having a home is so important to the well-being of a family and through this collaboration, Prince Kuhio’s vision of bringing native Hawaiian families back to the home lands is realized for these ten families.”

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The Blitz Build event was held over a span of just 10 days, beginning on Sept. 13 and ending on Sept. 23. The homes were built at a significantly reduced cost through volunteer labor and corporate donations. Families were presented with their new keys during a blessing ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23, at noon. The selected families met all DHHL’s requirements to qualify for the Blitz Build program.

Habitat for Humanity works with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to provide simple, affordable homes to families with limited incomes, and provides homeownership opportunities with no-interest mortgages financed by the DHHL’s Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) Program.

Over the last 15 years, Habitat for Humanity has constructed nearly 60 homes for Department of Hawaiian Home Land beneficiaries across the State of Hawai’i.