The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is encouraging applicants and lessees to engage in the Home Build Program offered by Honolulu Habitat for Humanity. The program, which is open for enrollment, provides a self-help opportunity for those who do not qualify for turnkey developments.
“For our ʻohana who aren’t eligible for a turnkey development, this self-help option gives them the chance to invest sweat equity into their future home,” stated DHHL Director Kali Watson. “Organizations like Habitat for Humanity will continue to receive support from DHHL, as they provide families – who may have been previously bypassed – the opportunity to achieve homeownership.”
Participants in the program will work with Honolulu Habitat staff to build their homes, gaining stability and independence through ownership. Homebuyers are expected to contribute by building alongside volunteers, attending financial education classes, and paying an affordable mortgage.
“Honolulu Habitat provides housing solutions for families earning between 30% and 80% of Honolulu County’s Area Median Income (AMI),” explained Shana Petelo from Honolulu Habitat for Humanity. “We value our longstanding partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the opportunity to help keep Native Hawaiian families in Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”
The selection process is based on four criteria: access to land, housing need, ability to repay, and willingness to partner.
“The journey taught us a lot about ourselves, what we needed to do to accomplish this goal, our capabilities, and how to be financially stable,” shared Duke Lenchanko-Andrade, a beneficiary of DHHL.
The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) is also an essential funding source supporting these home-building efforts.
Applications are accepted from March 1 until May 30, 2025. Interested parties can visit www.honoluluhabitat.org or call 808-777-4138 for more information or application requests.