Nearly 300 Native Hawaiians Move Closer to Homeownership with DHHL's Award of 91 Turnkey Homes in Waikapū, Maui

Nearly 300 Native Hawaiians and their families took part in the selection of 91 turnkey homes in Waikapū, Maui, as part of the Puʻuhona Phase II development. Governor Josh Green emphasized the urgency of addressing Native Hawaiian housing needs, saying, "The wait for a home should never be measured in decades and these 91 families have endured against all odds," emphasizing the state's responsibilities under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, according to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

On last Saturday afternoon, the selection process for new homes began, with applicants from the late 1980s choosing their homes after a long wait. This is part of a larger effort by the Hawaiian state government to address the waitlists for Native Hawaiian housing. Kali Watson, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director, said, "This project is not just about building homes, it’s about rebuilding ancestral connections, creating opportunities, and empowering generations to thrive on the ʻāina." The initiative is supported by Act 279, which allocated $600 million in 2022 to reduce the housing backlog. After completing Phase I with 52 homes, Phase II will start in May and is expected to be finished by February 2026.

The new home development, in partnership with the Dowling Company, offers lots ranging from two to five bedrooms, priced between $411,422 and $699,000. Everett Dowling, president of the company, stated, "The needs of our Native Hawaiian community are at the forefront in the development of each homestead community, and we will continue to build until everyone on the waitlist has a house of their own." The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is planning additional projects, aiming to deliver over 1,600 units to Maui, including developments in Honokōwai, Leialiʻi, Wailuku, Waiehu mauka, Kamalani, and Kēōkea-Waiohuli. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands also shared, "To our ‘ohana: please don’t lose hope. The department has more than 1,600 units coming to the island of Maui and we look forward to the opportunity to award leases later this year."