The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has opened its first transitional housing facility, Hale o Kumumamo, in Kalaeloa, providing 18 units—including two ADA-accessible units—for native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness. Governor Josh Green emphasized the project’s significance, saying, "The journey home begins with stability and what the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands has accomplished with Hale o Kumumano is a mission-driven approach to helping some of our most vulnerable individuals rebuild," as reported by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
The $6.4 million facility, funded by the federal government, provides shelter along with wrap-around services such as case management and workforce development. DHHL Director Kali Watson stated, "The department is collaborating with our federal, state, county, and non-profit partners to ensure our beneficiaries attain stability, engage in our homesteading program, and secure the homes they rightfully deserve," according to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
Hale o Kumumamo is a new facility for individuals and families who are on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands waitlist, verified as homeless, and at or below 80% of the area median income, as required by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Kealahou West Oʻahu manages the facility’s operations and outreach, with executive director Tanya Tehotu stating, "At KWO we provide our services with aloha to individuals and families that need assistance getting back on track." The facility’s name was inspired by a traditional lamentation, "He Kanikau Aloha Keia Nou e Luakauwawahine," which recognizes important sites in the Honouliuli-Pu‘uloa plains. DHHL described the facility as "A bridge between crisis and stability; uncertainty and readiness. And for some, a bridge towards future participation in our homestead awards program."
