DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS COMMEMORATES COMPLETION OF FIRST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FACILITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2026

KALAELOA - Leaders from all levels of government held maile lei and stood shoulder to shoulder as part of a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Kordell Kekoa on December 29, 2025. This ceremony commemorated the completion of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' (DHHL) first transitional housing facility for native Hawaiians experiencing houselessness: Hale o Kumumamo.

"The journey home begins with stability and what the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands has accomplished with Hale o Kumumano is a mission-driven approach to helping some of our most vulnerable individuals rebuild," said Governor Josh Green. "This facility represents an innovative advancement in the department's efforts to reduce the waitlist, create opportunities, and restore hope for our 'ohana facing the challenges of homelessness."

During the ceremony, Senator Mike Gabbard (Senate District 21 - Kapolei, Makakilo, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, portions of Fernandez Village, 'Ewa, and Ko Olina) shared an honorary certificate with DHHL Director Kali Watson and DHHL's Hale o Kumumamo project team.

"Yorktown's story is one of reuse and renewal in Kalaeloa," Gabbard read. "Through thoughtful and strategic renovation, an existing facility has been restored and refreshed to serve a clear purpose - offering a safe, supportive place for beneficiaries on the DHHL's residential waitlist to reset and move forward."

Located on Yorktown Street in Kalaeloa, Hale o Kumumamo is comprised of 18 units - two specifically designed to meet ADA requirements, laundry room, shared meeting area, an office for the site's property manager, and outdoor spaces for cultural programming and community gardens.

Formally used by visiting U.S. Navy officers, the building remained unoccupied for many years. DHHL began the renovation process of this federally-funded project, amounting to more than $6.4 million, in September 2024.

The program anticipates its first move-ins in January 2026.

A Pathway to Homeownership

In addition to offering an immediate housing solution for homeless beneficiaries, Hale o Kumumamo will provide wrap-around services, including comprehensive case management and workforce development to foster self-sufficiency and secure permanent housing.

"The department is working diligently to eliminate barriers for individuals seeking a safe transitional space on their journey to permanent housing," Watson said. "There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to tackling homelessness. The department is collaborating with our federal, state, county, and non-profit partners to ensure our beneficiaries attain stability, engage in our homesteading program, and secure the homes they rightfully deserve."

Prospective participants must be applicants on the DHHL waitlist, verified homeless, and at or below 80-percent of the area medium income (AMI) as specified in the requirements of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) to qualify for the program.

Program fees for eligible participants will be no more than 30% of their total household income.

The DHHL has partnered with Kealahou West Oʻahu (KWO) to manage staffing, operations, and outreach efforts directed at program participants. KWO is a trusted community organization with more than 20 years of experience working with unsheltered and at-risk populations on the leeward coast.

Anyone utilizing services at Hale o Kumumamo will have the opportunity to stay for as long as needed and will continue to have access to essential resources while transitioning to a more permanent living arrangement.

"At KWO we provide our services with aloha to individuals and families that need assistance getting back on track," said Tanya Tehotu, KWO executive director. "We are grateful for Governor Green, Director Watson, and the Hawaiian Homes Commission for entrusting us with this kuleana to work with DHHL's beneficiaries in providing healing and services aimed at securing permanent housing and ultimately homeownership."

Hale o Kumumamo: A Foundation for New Beginnings

The name Hale o Kumumamo originates from a historical mele titled - "He Kanikau Aloha Keia Nou e Luakauwawahine" - which translates to "this is a lamentation of love for you, Luakauwawahine." This kanikau, or lamentation, dedicated to Luakauwawahine features poetic references to several wahi pana, celebrated places, as well as other notable locations on the Honouliuli-Pu'uloa plains; including Kaupe'a and Kānehili, two DHHL homestead communities in Kapolei.

The second rationale focuses on the meanings behind kumu and mamo. The term kumu represents the foundation or starting point for future residents who will occupy the units. Additionally, it may symbolize the initiation of similar facilities, acting as a model for others. On the other hand, mamo can refer to the bird, particularly as the trapping of mamo birds for their feathers has been recorded in the Kalaeloa area. More importantly, it represents the descendants who will benefit from this facility.

"Hale o Kumumamo is not just a shelter, it's a bridge," Watson said in his address. "A bridge between crisis and stability; uncertainty and readiness. And for some, a bridge towards future participation in our homestead awards program."

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About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole's vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921 with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of more than 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.

Media Contact:

Diamond Badajos

Information and Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, State of Hawai'i

Cell: 808-342-0873

Email: [email protected]