The new homeowner pumped her fist, shot her arm high, and let out an emotional “We made it!” on Friday at the Kauai Habitat for Humanity Huakai subdivision.
Blanketed by the emotion of completing long journeys and the realization of being new homeowners, the Kauai Habitat for Humanity performed a key passing to five new families in the Waimea neighborhood against an intimate audience that included special visitors from Habitat for Humanity, members of the Kauai County Council, and close family friends and relatives of the new homeowners.
“These families have worked very hard to accomplish this goal along with numerous volunteers, donors and consistent support from families, and multiple organizations in the community,” said Nicole Pacanas, the Kauai Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Program manager who represented Milani Pimental, the Habitat’s executive director.
“You will often hear us say, ‘Together, we build homes, communities and hope,’” Pacanas said. “These homes are the result, but it is the homeowners and their families that are the reason.”
Janelle Bonachita, Nicole Langi-Kaaumoana, Felilani Ann and Brandon Pasion, Sarah Santiago, and Desiree Yasay each celebrated the keys to their forever homes following what appeared like unending volunteer hours of sweat equity.
“It was a long journey,” said Langi-Kaaumoana. “It took 20 years, but I get ‘em! I made laulau so make sure you stay and eat.”
Donna Rice, president of the Kauai Habitat board, said with the completion of the five homes, Kauai Habitat for Humanity has provided 248 homes since starting 33 years ago.
“We’re half way into this Huakai project,” Rice said. “We’ve built 13 houses with another 14 remaining to be built. And, there’re more in the queue from the North Shore to Kalaheo and Eleele.”
The new homes were built with qualified homebuyers in partnership with USDA Sect. 502 Direct Loan to Homebuyers, down payment assistance from the County of Kauai HOME Investment Partnership program, Title Guaranty Hawaii, as well as many community donors and volunteers.
When fully developed, the Waimea Huakai subdivision will provide a total of 32 single-family homes in addition to the 35 affordable rental units that were developed by the County of Kauai and Abe Group.