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From Makai to Mauka: A Community in Motion
Aloha, As we head into 2026, we want to share a meaningful update on where things stand and extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae during this critical time. In November, we reached an agreement with the State that required us to clear a large section of the village by Thanksgiving in order to receive an extension at the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor location. Thanks to the hard work, heart, and dedication of our residents, volunteers, and supp
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Kōkua Needed
Mahalo nui for everyone's support and aloha as we work on our cleanup and moving efforts and for all the offers to kokua, here's what we need help with...
Dec 9, 20251 min read


Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Secures Six-Month Extension After Completing Cleanup
On December 1, 2025, KaLa, one of the six leaders of Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae, shared an important update with the community: the village has successfully fulfilled its agreement with State officials to clear Section 4 by Thanksgiving and has earned a six-month extension.
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Update: November 24, 2025
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Kaulana “KaLa” Paishon, representing the leadership of Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae, met with Dawn Chang, Chairperson of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Jun Yang from the Governorʻs office; and representatives from the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education to determine a collaborative path forward at the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor. During th
Nov 25, 20251 min read


Displacement. Art of Surviving: What Frontline Voices Want You to Know
This post offers a recap of the September 13, 2025 panel conversation exploring the realities of houselessness in Hawaiʻi and the efforts to address it. Amongst the featured guests include our very own Rose "Loke" Chung-Lono and Kaulana "KaLa" Paishon. At the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, a packed room gathered for a conversation that Hawaiʻi can no longer afford to push aside: What does houselessness really look like across our islands, and what solutions are actually worki
Nov 13, 20254 min read


‼️ Food Pantry Support Needed ‼️
As you may have heard, due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits (“Food Stamps”) will not be distributed in November. Many of our 200+ residents rely on SNAP to feed their families, so we are working quickly to restock the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Food Pantry. If you’re able to kōkua, we are especially in need of: • Canned goods (meats, vegetables, fruits) • Cup noodles • Rice • Peanut butter and jelly These are the staples our people need most. Our pantry also su
Oct 31, 20251 min read


Building Hope: The Current Status and 2025 Vision for Dynamic Community Solutions and Puʻuhonoua o Waiʻanae Mauka
"Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka isn’t just housing — it’s a blueprint for community-driven solutions to Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis." Aloha, As...
Aug 26, 20254 min read


Learning to Lead with Calm: Conflict Resolution Training at Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae
“Connect, then direct — a simple reminder that compassion comes first, even in moments of conflict.” Living in community means sometimes...
Aug 25, 20251 min read


Kuleana in Action: The Heart Work of Billy Rose and Sheila at Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae
After years of hard work, Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae Farm Village has welcomed its first group of residents into Phase 1 of its permanent housing units.
Jul 19, 20252 min read


Welcome Home
After years of hard work, Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae Farm Village has welcomed its first group of residents into Phase 1 of its permanent housing units.
May 2, 20252 min read


Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Granted $1.25 Million from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to Connect Wai’anae Families Experiencing Homelessness with Stable Housing and Critical Services
Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae, home to approximately 200 residents, with about two-thirds identifying as Native Hawaiian operates a...
Nov 20, 20242 min read


Construction Update: October 15, 2024
Phase 1 of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae's Farm Village is taking shape as finishing touches are being installed onto residences and the top soil...
Oct 15, 20241 min read


Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae’s Farm Village Takes Root in Wai‘anae Valley
Hawaii News Now - Pu'uhonua O Waianae, a camp community by the Waianae Boat Harbor, is starting to build a new farm village in Waianae...
Aug 1, 20241 min read


Construction Update: June 21, 2024
Construction of the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Farm Village continues at a steady pace with additional foundations being prepared as well as...
Jun 21, 20241 min read


Oweesta Corporation Donates $250K to POW
Mahalo to the Oweesta Corporation for their generous $250,000 donation to POW. This contribution is instrumental in building our...
May 29, 20241 min read


POW Featured on Hawaii News Now
In an exclusive interview with Hawaii News Now, Community Leader James Pakele discussed the progress in construction at POWʻs mauka...
May 29, 20241 min read


POW Extends a Helping Hand to Kalihi’s Kauhale Village
POW recently extended a helping hand to Ho‘okahi Leo, the state’s third kauhale village located in Kalihi. Residents donated essential...
May 29, 20241 min read


Construction Update: May 29, 2024
Construction of our mauka village is progressing with the development of six newly designed hale. These homes, designed with input from...
May 29, 20241 min read


Construction Update: March 6, 2024
We are excited to share that the City and County of Honolulu has approved connecting our sewer line to their main line, marking a major...
Mar 6, 20241 min read


Community-First Approach Visualized
“POW reminds us of our common humanity, the power of the Aloha spirit, and that all of our stories are, in fact, woven together. POW is...
Dec 18, 20231 min read
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