High Schooler Raises $14K for Affordable Housing

Pohaku Kepler (middle) receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from executive director Sherri Dodson (right) and development director Max Tornai (left). Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity Maui.

In an effort to raise money for affordable housing development, Kīhei Charter student Pohaku Kepler asked 100 realtors to donate at least $100 to Habitat for Humanity Maui.

Keplerʻs “100 Real Estate Agents Who Care” program, which was launched in November, aimed to amass $10,000 dollars in donations.

On Friday, Habitat for Humanity announced that the project raised nearly $14,000.

“These donations couldn’t have come at a better time,” Habitat for Humanity development director Max Tornai said in a press release.

“We’re finishing 10 new homes in Lahaina and just completed a 4-bedroom home in the Keokea-Waiohuli Hawaiian Homelands subdivision (with 3 more coming up) – so we really need all the financial support we can get to make these homes a reality for our partner families.”

Keplerʻs program was inspired by the “100 Men Who Care” and “100 Women Who Care” movements.

Inspired by the passion of local realtors to help others achieve homeownership, Kepler felt the need for industry professionals to help those who are unable to afford a home through a regular market.