Voices of Our Lāhui
Across our lāhui, Native Hawaiian beneficiaries are sharing why the Hale Makana O ʻUluwehi project matters. These voices reflect lived experiences—kupuna on fixed incomes, waitlisters preparing for homestead awards, and ʻohana seeking stable ground to build a future in Hawaiʻi. Their manaʻo reminds us that affordable rentals, when thoughtfully designed, can be a stepping stone—not a stopping point—on the path to homeownership and community resilience.
“An affordable rental project like this would help me as a 74-year-old Kupuna NOW and others on fixed income to be financially ready with MORE money saved up to be prepared for my homestead lease award.”
— Roseland Haunani Tom, Kupuna, O‘ahu Waitlist
“I support Hale Makana O ‘Uluwehi. The escalating cost of living, particularly in purchasing a home or rental housing in Hawai‘i, has become a significant barrier for many individuals and families. This affordable rental project offers a vital solution for me to the growing housing crisis, providing stable and secure housing options that align with my range of income.”
— Sharon Pualani Freitas, O‘ahu Waitlist
“I am a Kupuna, currently living in the Waimānalo senior housing. Akua gave me 80 years of life. I wholeheartedly support Hale Makana O ‘Uluwehi like our Waimānalo senior home affordable rental.
Affordable housing options are desperately needed to allow kupuna like me to age in place with stable housing, also providing stable housing to kōkua young parents.”
— Lani Ahuna, Kupuna, O‘ahu Waitlist
“I’m a waitlist beneficiary. I recently came home this year after spending some time in the system. Hale Makana O ‘Uluwehi affordable rental project is a great start to address housing stability and equity for KANAKAS like me. So we can transition from the correctional facilities to stable housing to rehabilitate us back to the ‘ĀINA as my Prince Kūhiō intended for me! ”
— Kalani Li’i, from Papakōlea Homestead
“I am currently living in Washington, DC, waiting for my Homestead lease award. I miss Hawai‘i, especially my family. Living in DC has given me unique opportunities, yet it has created a longing to move home. With the homestead costs in the $500-$700,000 range today, projects like Hale Makana O ‘Uluwehi are a pathway to come home and start to prepare for Homeownership.”
— Henri Guzman, O‘ahu Waitlist, Diaspora, Living in Washington DC
“As a single mother living in Hawai‘i, the dream of homeownership often feels just out of reach. Affordable rental housing is a necessity for me and my daughter, Pomai; it’s a critical stepping stone toward achieving that dream. Living in rental housing that I can afford allows me to allocate resources toward saving for a down payment on a home. The burden of high rental costs would leave little room for savings, making homeownership nearly impossible.”
— Leani Hussey, O‘ahu Waitlist, Wai‘anae Kai Homestead
“As a kupuna waitlist, with fixed income, Hale Makana O ‘Uluwehi is a right fit for me. I can have housing stability, access to kupuna programs, and participate in wrap-around services to help me be mortgage-ready, an opportunity to holistically address cultural wellness, and be self-sufficient and independent.”
— Pastor Bonnie Sale-Spencer, Nānākuli Homestead
Aloha e ka pali e Waiʻanae
