Habitat for Humanity Raises $11,500 in Annual Build-a-thon

Habitat for Humanity Maui.

By Maui Now Staff

Habitat for Humanity Maui raised more than $11,500 during the organization’s eighth annual build-a-thon at the Kahawai condominium complex in Happy Valley.

More than 100 volunteers participated in the event held on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, 2014.

The event is an annual fundraiser to promote awareness of, and help to eliminate substandard housing and homelessness in the community.

“Overall, it was an amazing two days of fun and hard work, building homes with some great people for some great people,” said Max Tornai, director of development & community relations in an organization press release.

Habitat for Humanity Maui.

“We accomplished a lot and it was humbling to see so many volunteers come together from many different parts of the community to help with such a good cause. We really appreciate and are grateful for everyone who participated,” said Tornai.

Participants assisted in construction of the three-story, 16 unit condominium project.

The project includes 12 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units, measuring 595 square feet; and four two-bedroom, one- bathroom units, measuring 874 square feet, according to project planning material.

In addition to volunteers, Habitat executives say six other local affiliates participated in the fundraising and public awareness event.

Habitat for Humanity Maui.

The organization is currently accepting applications for home ownership at the Kahawai condominiums, which are slated for completion in November.

In an earlier announcement, Habitat executives said that with a 0% interest mortgage and the support of volunteers who are helping to build the housing, Habitat for Humanity anticipates the average mortgage payment will be between $1,000 and $1,500 a month.

“The completed project will be a genuine opportunity for homeownership for many who thought they could only dream of owning their own home,” said Tornai.

He said the opportunity is especially a great for kupuna, the disabled, veterans, individuals, and young families just starting out.

Those interested in applications or volunteering with Habitat can contact Tornai at (808) 242-1140.