WAIMEA — The Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity planned for about a dozen volunteers for the Women Build at the Huakai homes subdivision on Friday.
Instead, organizers were surprised with more than 20 women showing up for the Women Build event, including representatives from the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i with president Regina Carvalho and “Zonta sister” Jaslyn Aquias.
“I asked Bernard (Kaua‘i County Council member Bernard Carvalho Jr.) if he could sponsor me, but he was tied up with the delegation from our Filipino sister city,” Regina said. “I always wanted to see this Huakai development. I’m looking forward to seeing the other upcoming projects, too.”
Women Build, a Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity initiative that was brought back by popular demand, allows volunteers to work with Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity to build decent and affordable housing as part of the event.
“We’re — the whole group — working on five different houses,” said Jocelyn Slade, one of four volunteers from Hawai‘i Planing Mill (known as HPM Building Supply). “It makes sense because when the Kaua‘i Habitat celebrates the key passing, it usually is five homes at a time.”
The build day was open to all adults with all levels of construction experience, Kaua‘i Habitat said, its Executive Director Milani Pimental joining the group of largely women volunteers.
“Our neighborhoods are comprised largely of women and children, with many women heads of household and they are also the population’s most likely to be affected by substandard living conditions,” Pimental said. “An event like this provides the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities and empowering other women.”
Rev. Kerry “Kahu Kerry” Holder Jeffrion officiated over the blessing of the event, and following a morning shift of painting, answered questions about the fashion aspect of her coveralls.
“We paint nails pretty good,” said Nalani Layosa-Ho‘okano, another of the HPM volunteers. “It’s good they have us painting. We can do this.”
Participants attacked the challenges of building homes to celebrate the strength and resilience of women, Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity said.
“Whenever there are builds, it’s the HPM men who participate,” said Layosa-Ho‘okano. “This is the first time for us women. We have one from Trusses, two from Lawai and one from Kapa‘a.”
Sponsors for the event included Silver Builder sponsors like Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, HPM Building Supply, Bronze Builder sponsor Koa Yukimura of Allstate Insurance, the Bernard and Regina Carvalho ‘Ohana, and lunch sponsors Lawai Beach Resort, MCS Grill and Jennifer Acroba of Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty.
In-kind sponsorships were provided by Koloa Surf Co., the Aloha Collection and Spirit of Can.
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity recently completed the 100-plus home ‘Ele‘ele Iluna neighborhood before focusing its attention on the Huakai project in Waimea.
Since 1992, Kaua‘i Habitat has built 239 affordable home, and made critical repairs to 37 existing homes for Kaua‘i families whose household income is between 30 to 80 percent of the median Kaua‘i income.
To find out more information, volunteer or contribute to Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, visit its website at www.kauaihabitat.org.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
