On April 5, 2025, almost 300 beneficiaries and their families gathered at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College to participate in the selection of lots for the new Puʻuhona homestead community in Waikapū. The event marked a significant milestone for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), which awarded 91 turnkey homes to Native Hawaiian families. The homes are part of the Puʻuhona Phase II project, an important development aimed at addressing the extensive housing waitlist of Native Hawaiians.
Governor Josh Green highlighted the struggle of many families on the waitlist, stating, "The wait for a home should never be measured in decades and these 91 families have endured against all odds." He emphasized the need for expedited and smarter building methods to fulfill the promise of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
During the four-hour event, names of applicants dating back to the late 1980s were announced. As the chosen families took their places, the anticipation for a new home was palpable. DHHL Director Kali Watson spoke about the broader vision of the project: "This project is not just about building homes, it’s about rebuilding ancestral connections, creating opportunities, and empowering generations to thrive on the ʻāina," reaffirming the project's commitment to Prince Kūhiō’s vision.
The history of Puʻuhona was also celebrated during the event. The land, acquired through a transaction with the Dowling Company, will eventually comprise 137 homes along with improved vacant lots. With construction for Phase II beginning in May, the first homes are expected to be completed by February 2026. These homes range from two to five bedrooms, with prices starting at $411,422.
Notably, the homes are part of the department’s first Act 279 initiative, following a landmark funding allocation of $600 million aimed at reducing the long-standing housing waitlist. Phase I of Puʻuhona had previously seen 52 homes offered in June 2024, with families expected to move in this summer.
Enthusiasm was evident among future residents like Tina Leikaha, who expressed her joy, saying, "I’m so excited, I was nervous, being patient, but when they called my name, I was like, oh my gosh, I just said chee hoo."
Everett Dowling of Dowling Company expressed the company’s continued dedication to the community's needs, mentioning, "Every day we strive to build balanced, resilient communities, and Puʻuhona is no exception."
DHHL's ongoing efforts include six additional homestead projects on Maui. As Director Watson conveyed, more than 1,600 units are in the pipeline for the island, with hopes to award more leases later in the year. Watson encouraged families to remain hopeful, noting the department's commitment, alongside Governor Josh Green, to finding innovative housing solutions.