Habitat For Humanity Annual Build-A-Thon Planned

Rendering image, courtesy Habitat for Humanity, Maui.

By Wendy Osher

Habitat for Humanity Maui presents its eighth annual Build-A-Thon on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, 2014, at the Kahawai Street affordable housing project in Happy Valley.

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

The organization expects to host more than 100 volunteers during the two-day event, with participants to work directly alongside Habitat’s partner families.

As part of the fundraiser, volunteers are asked to raise $100 each to participate, and will receive a goody bag, t-shirt, free lunch, and a chance to win prizes during the event.

Habitat for Humanity Maui

Participants will help with construction on a three-story, 16 unit condominium project on Kahawai Street in Happy Valley. 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 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. It is especially a great opportunity for kupuna, the disabled, veterans, individuals, and young families just starting out,” Habitat representatives said.

One individual, who has been approved for a Kahawai condo unit, has special needs due to high functioning autism. Habitat representatives say that since she is unable to do the physical labor at the Kahawai site, she has been doing her sweat equity hours at Habitat’s ReStore. “She and her now aging parents share a dream where she is able to live independently,”said Habitat representatives.

“The Build-A-Thon is usually a special day of work,” said Community Relations Director Max Tornai. “If you can’t join us for this year’s Build-A-Thon, we can use your help any day of the week,” he said.

Inidividuals interested in participating in the Build-A-Thon event, or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity can do so by calling (808) 242-1140, or visit by visiting the Habitat for Humanity Maui website.