Gov. Josh Green unveiled a new downtown kauhale on Monday, further expanding his administration’s aggressive strategy for helping people transition out of homelessness via small community developments bring together housing, shared facilities and social services.

What You Need To Know

  • Alana Ola Pono (“Awakening to a Good Life”), located at 357 N. King Street, was built by HomeAid Hawaii.
  • The kauhale includes 46 housing units; two security units, a pair of community centers for shared activities and gatherings; and dedicated spaces for security, maintenance and technology
  • Residents will have access to supportive services, including referrals to medically assisted detox programs, health care to reduce hospitalizations, and vocational training to provide economic mobility
  • Residents for the new kauhale will include young adults seeking workforce development opportunities and adults and couples transitioning out of chronic homelessness.

 

Alana Ola Pono (“Awakening to a Good Life”), located at 357 N. King Street, was built by HomeAid Hawaii.

“This initiative reflects a powerful collaboration between the Institute for Human Services, HomeAid Hawaii and the broader community,” Green said at a blessing event on Monday. “This kauhale is a testament to the power of shared commitment to creating a brighter future for all Hawaii residents and collectively addressing one of the largest challenges we face as a community. As we open Alana Ola Pono, we also look forward to continued partnerships as we work together to make lasting progress and ensure every resident has a place to call home.”

The kauhale includes 46 housing units (six of which are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities compliant); two security units, a pair of community centers for shared activities and gatherings; and dedicated spaces for security, maintenance and technology. It also includes facilities for daily living, including showers, restrooms, laundry and kitchens.

Residents will have access to supportive services, including referrals to medically assisted detox programs, health care to reduce hospitalizations, and vocational training to provide economic mobility.

The facility also allows pets so residents are not forced to choose between housing and their animal companions.

Kauhale villages have been a key component of Green’s effort to combat homelessness, providing immediate shelter as well as “a pathway to stability, belonging and self-sufficiency.”

“By creating safe and supportive environments rooted in cultural values, kauhale help break the cycle of homelessness and offer hope to some of Hawaii’s most vulnerable residents,” Green said.

Residents for the new kauhale will include young adults seeking workforce development opportunities and adults and couples transitioning out of chronic homelessness.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this vision,” said IHS executive director Connie Mitchell. “Alana Ola Pono represents not just housing but hope and the chance for a new beginning through the power of life together — community.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.