LIHU‘E — Three new Habitat for Humanity homeowners recently accepted the keys to their new homes during a key passing and dedication ceremony at the Department of Hawaiian Homes Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai subdivision in Anahola. “We could not have
LIHU‘E — Three new Habitat for Humanity homeowners recently accepted the keys to their new homes during a key passing and dedication ceremony at the Department of Hawaiian Homes Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai subdivision in Anahola.
“We could not have done this without the many helping hands who gave of their time and efforts to build these homes,” said Jessica Clabo, volunteer coordinator for the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, in a release. “We’re turning houses into homes.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. congratulated the Kamaka Fernandez, Kaipo Napoleon and Kristie Ka‘aihue-Paopao families, who accepted keys to their new home from the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity.
“This is a new dawn for us,” said Ka‘aihue-Paopao. “We are so appreciative and grateful for all the support we have received.”
Ka‘aihue-Paopao said the nine-month steps leading to the acceptance of the keys to their new home has been a family effort with all three of their children being involved.
“They did everything from greeting guests and cleaning up the jobsites to installing their own bedroom flooring,” she said.
Stephen Spears, the executive director for Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity acknowledged the accomplishments and hard work of all the families and volunteers and contributors for their dedication and support during the nine months of construction.
“It is with their help and the self-help model that we are able to build truly affordable homes,” he said. “There are more than 1,900 more families waiting to partner with Habitat. This is why we are working to build another 107 homes in Phase II of our ‘Ele‘ele Iluna subdivision.”
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity hopes to issue a request for proposals to solicit bids for the selection of a general contractor for the ‘Ele‘ele Iluna Phase II project, said Fran McDonald, Kaua‘i Habitat Capital Campaign Chair and Realtor Associate.
The Kaua‘i Habitat staff and volunteers continue efforts to raise $3 million in philanthropic contributions as part of Habitat’s capital campaign to help launch construction of the first 48 homes in the ‘Ele‘ele Iluna Phase II project.
Kaua‘i Habitat, to date, has spent $2.5 million to complete infrastructure and home constrution for 18 homes in the ‘Ele‘ele Iluna Phase I, and $2 million to install the main water line, sewer line, highway improvements, detention basin, and facilities reserve charges.
