ANAHOLA — Leona McDermott is home.
“My mother lives across the highway and a sister lives just down the road,” said McDermott, flanked by her husband and son as she choked back tears. “It’s good to be home.”
Lady Ipo Kahaunaele Ferreira of Ke Akua Mana Church presided over the blessing and key passing of two Kauai Habitat for Humanity Anahola homes on Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands.
Milani Pimental of the Kauai Habitat said each of the homeowners and volunteers, such as the Team Brute Force 12, an all-Canadian global village team who interrupted their work on a home site to attend, put in more than 2,500 hours at each home over an eight-month construction process.
“Home building is a very challenging process,” said Stephen Spears, Kauai Habitat executive director, during the recent gathering at the Anahola Clubhouse. “The Kaneholani and McDermott families have done a wonderful job of coming out to the job site whenever possible to invest in their future and work alongside our volunteers.”
Kaimi Kaneholani, who is moving to his new house just two homes down from his father’s home, acknowledged the many hands and hearts of volunteers and community businesses.
“I counted and found that 106 volunteers from all over helped us to build our home,” Leona said. “We are eternally grateful.”
Fran McDonald, a Kauai Habitat board member and capital campaign chair, said while the blessings and key passing acknowledged the hard work and joy of a new home, “more work is ahead and it is critical that Kauai Habitat raise $3 million to help fund the costs of the upcoming Eleele Iluna Subdivision, Phase II where more than 100 homes are scheduled to be built.”
Contractors are finishing the infrastructure for the subdivision and homeowner qualification is in progress through Kauai Habitat. Construction of the first group of homes is scheduled to start this fall.
While groundwork is taking place at the Eleele Iluna Subdivision, Phase II, Pimental said work continues at three more homes in Anahola and one in Kekaha.
Registration for the upcoming Women Build is being accepted for the Mother’s Day event on May 11 at the new construction home site in Kekaha. All tools and training will be provided and there is a six-hour minimum commitment.
Info: 335-0296, ext. 152
