Dreams of homeownership came true for a young Maui family when Na Hale O Maui Executive Director Cassandra Abdul presented Codie and Pelemarie Chong with the keys to their new home on Meheu Circle in the Traditions at Maui Lani, Friday.

Like many Maui families facing the steep cost of homeownership on the Valley Isle, the Chongs wondered if they would ever be able to afford their own home.

“As a local couple born and raised on Maui, it’s been our lifelong goal and dream to raise our kids where we grew up,” said Pelemarie Chong.

The couple explained how they worked hard, creating a good credit rating, saving up, and educating themselves so they would be ready if the opportunity came to them, all the while realizing that they could be simply priced out of the chance.

“But then the Na Hale O Maui program brought hope back into our lives and connected the dots on how we could make that dream a reality. It gives our generation the opportunity for affordable home ownership in an overpriced market. We believe programs like this are the light at the end of the tunnel for local families here in Hawaii,” she said.

Na Hale O Maui is Hawaiʻi’s first community land trust. Its motto is “changing lives, one home at a time.”

In the case of the Chongs of Maui Lani, Na Hale O Maui acquired the Meheu home at market rates last year, and brought down the cost to the new owners to a much more affordable rate using funds from a Maui County housing grant.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of the 56th family to our growing Community Land Trust ‘ohana. This milestone is a testament to the robust collaboration between the County of Maui and Na Hale O Maui,” said Na Hale O Maui Executive Director Cassandra Abdul. “Na Hale O Maui is sincerely appreciative of the support we receive from Maui County.”

The County’s support of this process was reinforced Friday by the presence of Mayor Richard Bissen, Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Budget Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura at the informal key presentation ceremony at the Chongs’ new home.

When it was mentioned to the Mayor that the community needs a lot more homes to fill the need, he replied, “I will take every one we can get.”

Na Hale O Maui is a community-found 501-C (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing that working class Maui families can afford, and to keeping those homes affordable in perpetual.

To learn more about Na Hale O Maui, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.nahaleomaui.org.