The Maui News

“Changing lives, one house at a time” is not just Na Hale O Maui’s motto; it’s a heartfelt promise they deliver on. This promise was beautifully fulfilled when the Mather family received the keys to their new Wailuku home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

The Mathers, like many Maui families, dreamt of homeownership for years. Their journey included participating in Na Hale O Maui’s comprehensive 4-step program to become a Qualified Buyer. The Mathers were selected through NHOM’s Blind Selection process as the family most suited for the home. Wednesday marked the culmination of their efforts, as they joyfully acquired a home on Komo Ohia Street in the Kealani subdivision.

For the Mathers, homeownership seemed unattainable. The constant threat of displacement from their beloved ‘āina loomed over them. Jen Mather, alongside her husband Richard and their children Kūmoanaākea, 15, and Keolaonākai’elua, 14, expressed profound gratitude: “Na Hale O Maui has made it possible not only for myself and my keiki to continue living here in Maui Komohana but also for the seven generations to come after us. We commit, along with Na Hale, to keep this house affordable in perpetuity.”

This beautiful home on Komo Ohia marks the 50th property that Na Hale O Maui has made available to Maui families at an affordable price, and it was the second joyous event of this kind within a week.

Na Hale O Maui Board of Directors President Dawn DeRego Lono expressed her heartfelt thanks to the County of Maui for its unwavering support. She highlighted the significance of the county’s Affordable Housing Grant, which enables Na Hale to reduce the sales price to approximately half the market value, making homeownership a reality for families like the Mathers.

The presentation ceremony was graced by the presence of Mayor Richard Bissen, County Council Chair Alice Lee, and County Council Members Tamara Paltin and Noelani U’u-Hodgins. They celebrated with the new homeowners and reaffirmed their support for Na Hale O Maui’s mission.

Na Hale O Maui, a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been dedicated to providing affordable homes for Maui’s working-class families since 2006. A key aspect of their mission is ensuring these homes remain affordable for generations to come.

To learn more about Na Hale O Maui or to make a donation, please visit www.nahaleomaui.org.

Let’s continue changing lives, one house at a time.