Building Hope: The Current Status and 2025 Vision for Dynamic Community Solutions and Puʻuhonoua o Waiʻanae Mauka
- James Pakele
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
"Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka isn’t just housing — it’s a blueprint for community-driven solutions to Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis."
Aloha,
As we move through 2025, I'm excited to share an update on the remarkable progress at Puʻuhonoua o Waiʻanae (POW) Mauka and our organization, Dynamic Community Solutions (DCS). What began as a vision to create permanent, affordable housing for our houseless village has evolved into a transformative model of community-driven development that combines traditional Hawaiian values with modern sustainable practices.
Current Status: Significant Progress Toward Our Vision
The Transition is Underway
The most significant milestone of 2025 has been the successful transition of residents from the Makai village at Waianae Boat Harbor to our permanent Mauka location in Waianae Valley. As of July 2025, approximately 40 people have already moved to the Mauka Property, with approximately 160 residents remaining at the Makai location. This represents the beginning of the largest phase of our transition, with everyone working toward the goal of moving all POW residents home to the Farm Village in time for the 2025 holiday season.
Construction Progress and Innovation
Our construction efforts have accelerated significantly with multiple housing approaches being implemented simultaneously:
Phase 1 and Phase 2 housing clusters have been completed and are now home to our first residents
Two new clusters of homes are under construction this summer, which will house up approximately 50 additional residents
We've partnered with innovative housing solutions including Plug-in House units and Continest for Phases 3 and 4.
The Hale ʻAina community building construction is nearing completion, providing essential shared facilities for residents
Federal Support Military Partnership Success
2025 has brought unprecedented federal recognition and support for our project. Senator Brian Schatz has placed the DCS appropriations request for infrastructure development on his federal earmark funding opportunities list. Our partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program continues to be a game-changer. Military volunteers are helping expedite construction of new housing sections.
Dynamic Community Solutions: Our Organizational Growth
DCS Mission and Impact
Dynamic Community Solutions (DCS) was formed by larger community members and residents from Puuhonoua O Waianae to promote sustainable community solutions using modern technologies and traditional Hawaiian practices. Our mission directly addresses the rising cost of living that has made housing unaffordable for so many in Hawaii. With a current organizational budget of $2 million, DCS has successfully raised nearly $12 million toward our $15 million goal.
POW Leadership and Governance
Following the passing of our beloved founder Twinkle Borge, POW has been led by a six-member Council of Overseers, who were already helping Twinkle to lead the village prior to her leaving us. These leaders continue to oversee the day to day operations of POW's rules, engage in community service, and participate in village activities, consistent with Twinkle's belief that "kuleana wakes up mana."
2025 Vision and Goals
Completing the Transition
Our primary goal for 2025 is the successful completion of the transition from Makai to Mauka. This involves:
Completing construction of all remaining housing phases to accommodate approximately 175 ~ 200 residents
Maintaining our commitment to environmental stewardship by continuing monthly cleanups at the Makai site as residents move
Sustainable Community Development
Our 2025 vision extends beyond housing to create a truly sustainable community:
Agricultural Development: Implementing containerized smart farms powered by renewable energy micro-grids
Economic Opportunity: Providing residents with training in farming systems, and micro-enterprise development
Food Security: Reducing the cost of living through on-site food production and eliminating food budget expenses
Community Wellness: On the distant horizon is launching child wellness programs, healthcare services, and educational supports
Partnership and Collaboration
We're strengthening our partnerships with state agencies including DLNR and DOE, working together to coordinate the ongoing transition while making way for future use of the Boat Harbor property. Our collaborative approach with government partners demonstrates that community-led solutions can work effectively within existing systems.
Replicable Model
As we complete our village, we're preparing to share the Puuhonoua O Waianae model as a blueprint for other communities facing similar housing challenges. Our combination of affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and community governance offers a path forward for addressing homelessness and the rising cost of living across Hawaii and beyond.
Looking Forward
The progress we've made in 2025 represents more than just construction milestones – it represents the realization of a vision that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Through the power of aloha, community collaboration, and innovative partnerships, we're proving that sustainable, affordable housing solutions are not only possible but can serve as a model for communities worldwide.
Our residents, partners, and supporters have shown that when communities come together with shared purpose and mutual respect, we can create lasting solutions to our most pressing challenges. As we work toward completing our transition by the end of 2025, we remain committed to the values that have brought us this far: community service, environmental stewardship, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.
The journey continues, and we're grateful for every person and organization that has joined us in building this vision of hope, sustainability, and community.
Aloha,
James Pakele
President and Chief M.A.K.O.
Dynamic Community Solutions
dba Puʻuhonoua o Waiʻanae