Showing up for a Hāna kupuna

another kupuna hale takes shape

Building Program crew members Mauariʻi, Moa, Lyman, Nehemiah, and G during the building process

The Ma Ka Hana Ka ʻIke Building Program completed a kupuna hale at the top of Honokalani Road here in Hāna for aunty Tara.

The most-recent hale is finished with the custom designs that are unique to our program.

Some of the custom interior designs on the ceiling (pictured first above) and in the shower (pictured right above)

Aunty Tara expressed throughout this building project how grateful she is, saying “I was about to give up.” Aunty Tara had been living on the land in a tent and van for 5 years, without electricity or running water.

Now, she resides in a 12X16 studio kupuna hale equipped with a small kitchen and bathroom.

She is so happy with her new place and the way the Building Program crew showed up and cared for her.

Aunty Tara grew up on the continent; her father always brought his family to Hāna to enjoy their ʻohana ʻāina.

After having kids and working her whole life, Aunty Tara retired from her job in Washington and moved to this land. The reason she returned to Hāna was to get established here and create a space where her kids and grandkids could come to and remember where they are from.

Now, her ʻohana will be able to enjoy this ʻāina as she did growing up.

Aunty Tara with the Building Program crew during the last few days on the job site

She is very content and grateful.

Mahalo nui to aunty for sharing a part of her story and connection to this ʻāina.

Mahalo nui to our Building Program crew for their leadership. They continue showing up for Hāna kūpuna and giving back, while passing along their knowledge and skills to the next generation.