The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) awarded 52 turnkey homes on Saturday as part of the first phase of Puuhona Homestead lot awards. Puuhona is the department’s first project initiated through $600 million allocated by state lawmakers in 2022 to support a multifaceted approach to reducing the DHHL waiting list.
“The awarding of homes to these families today marks a tremendous step forward for our state,” said Governor Josh Green. “Housing is a critical need for our residents at large, and our Native Hawaiian beneficiaries on the waiting list have felt the need for far too long. It is especially fitting that these homes will go to beneficiaries on Maui, and a great sign of hope that further progress will be made in the near future.”
The agency acquired approximately 47 acres of Waikapu land through a land transfer with Dowling Company in exchange for an affordable housing loan from the County of Maui.
“Our department will persistently search for land in the area where we can build safe and resilient communities for the people we serve,” said Hawaiian Homelands Director Kari Watson. “The people of Maui have faced so many hardships since the wildfires, and we hope these homes will inspire and uplift the community as they recover from this devastating tragedy.”
Pu’uhona is the first of four pu’u (hills) above Waikapu’s highest peak, Hanaula. Likely named for a native tree, the hona is a highly valued fiber found in the inner bark that was used to make ropes and strings for fishing nets. The creation and intertwining of these materials represents the unity and growth of the community, as the individual threads come together to form stronger bonds.
Puuhona will be awarded in three separate offers and will consist of 137 turnkey homes and 24 improved vacant lots. Groundwork for the project is expected to begin in May 2023, with construction of Phase 1 homes scheduled to commence in summer 2024.
Three to five bedroom homes have been sold out of the 52 homes offered in Phase 1. Home prices range from $509,800 to $699,000.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the Hawaiian Homelands Authority,” said Everett Dowling, president and developer of The Dowling Company. “We value the Hawaiian Homelands Authority and its beneficiaries and are committed to providing quality housing that will enable them to settle and thrive in their communities and build a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Want to learn more about Pu’uhona? Website.
