The Kauhale Initiative
  • Nimitz Kauhale
    Nimitz Kauhale
    Surveying the proposed site of the future Nimitz Kauhale
  • Kalaeloa Kauhale
    Kalaeloa Kauhale
    LT Gov Josh Green is joined by Councilmember Kim Pine and Senator Fevella to tour the site of the future Kalaeloa Kauhale
  • Nimitz Kauhale Concept
    Nimitz Kauhale Concept
    Rendering of the Kauhale at Nimitz by a future resident
  • Kaka'ako
    Kaka'ako
    Meeting with Ka Po'e o Kaka'ako who will live in the Nimitz Kauhale
  • Waimanalo
    Waimanalo
    Meeting with community members in Waimanalo to discuss and plan the future Waimanalo Kauhale
  • Kauhale
    Kauhale
    Rendering of the Kauhale concept

 

Q: What is “Kauhale”

A: Kauhale is a Hawaiian term meaning “village.” The Kauhale concept is a traditional, cultural model of housing consisting of tiny homes clusters and communal areas for restrooms, cooking, and gathering.  Kauhale are meant to foster a sense of community and ownership among their formerly homeless residents.  These master-planned communities consist of permanent, supportive housing units and a small amount of rent will be collected based on personal income.

Q: Where will Kauhale be?

A: Ideally, there will eventually be 12 Kauhale throughout Hawaii with one Maui,  one Kauai, two on the Big Island, and 8 spread out regionally around Oahu.  Currently, four locations have been identified on Oahu for Kauhale development in Kalaeloa, Waimanalo, Nimitz, and Sand Island.

Q: What is the cost of Kauhale?

A: Each village, depending on size and services, will cost between $2.5 million and $5 million dollars to construct.

Q: Who lives in Kauhale?

A: The Kauhale are meant for the chronically homeless currently residing in a particular area.  For example, the Waimanalo Kauhale will be intended for the homeless on the Windward side. Representatives from the homeless communities and from the general community at large are included in the planning, design, and rule-making for the Kauhale.

Committed Partners 

  HomeAid Hawaii is committed to seeing the Kauhale initiative come to fruition.  They are a 501(c)3 non-profit created by the developers and building industry in Hawaii who donate services and materials in an effort to end homelessness.  They are able to organize with the state’s largest contractors, non-profit developers, banks, and landowners to move projects forward and all of their programs are privately funded.

Click here to learn more about how you can get involved with this incredible organization in their pursuit to end homelessness. 

 

Hui Aloha is dedicated to working with houseless communities to foster relationship-building through open communication and connection.  They partner with homeless leaders to help strengthen community bonds in encampments, organize park and beach clean-ups, and help connect homeless communities with their neighbors, community associations, neighborhood boards, and elected leaders.  They have been critical in the planning and organization of Kauhale and its future residents.

Click here to learn more and get involved.