LIHUE — The Nareit Foundation’s Real Estate Intestment Trust Way Hawaii Community Giving Initiative announced the awarding of a $120,000 grant to Kauai Habitat for Humanity.
Stephen Spears, executive director of Kauai Habitat for Humanity, said the grant will be used to build a self-help house in Eleele for a low-income family in support of its mission that “brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home will have 1,248 square feet of interior space and a covered lanai.
“We are grateful for the generous grant of $120,000 from the Nareit Foundation’s REIT Way Hawaii Community Giving Initiative that will enable a local family to be able to build for themselves a lasting and truly affordable home here on Kauai,” said Spears.
“This home will provide many decades of stability where they can not only live, but thrive and contribute to the community.”
Representing the Nareit Foundation in recognizing the grant were Chris Benjamin, president and CEO of Alexander &Baldwin; Francis Cofran, senior general manager of Brookfield Property REIT’s Ala Moana Center; and Pamela Wilson, general manager of Hawaiian Real Estate for American Assets Trust. Each company is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with notable property holdings in Hawaii.
Alexander &Baldwin owns real estate throughout the Hawaiian Islands and has operated on Kauai for more than a century. Brookfield Property REIT holdings include Ala Moana Center, Prince Kuhio Plaza and Whaler’s Village. American Assets Trust owns Waikele Center, The Shops at Kalakaua, Waikiki Beach Walk and Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk.
“Hawaii REITs are united in their support of programs and solutions that provide Hawaii residents with increased opportunities to access affordable housing across the state,” Benjamin said.
“A&B has been a longtime supporter of the Kauai Habitat for Humanity, providing land, cash and sweat equity dating back nearly 30 years, and we are thrilled to join our fellow REITs in supporting the continued good work they are doing for families and communities on Kauai.”
State Senate President Ronald Kouchi, who represents Kauai and Ni‘ihau, joined in the recognition of Kauai Habitat for Humanity.
“The employees and volunteers of Kauai Habitat for Humanity are doing a wonderful job of giving families hope by providing new, affordable homes to build a life on Kauai,” Kouchi said.
“All of the support provided to Kauai Habitat for Humanity is appreciated and is helping to make our island community stronger,” he said.
