The County of Hawai‘i Office of Housing and Community Development and its partners, Tinguely Development, Inc. and Hawai’i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, breaks ground with a special blessing ceremony on the site for Kukuiola, an emergency shelter and assessment center in Kealakehe, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at 9 a.m.
The site is located across the West Hawai‘i Civic Center on Kealakehe Parkway and adjacent to the proposed Kealakehe Regional Park. When completed, the Kukuiola community will provide a safe and welcoming environment for all who seek assistance in connecting to an emergency shelter, appropriate case management services and permanent housing opportunities.
Gov. Josh Green praised the partnership. “What’s unfolding at Kukuiola and Laʻiʻopua’s Village 9 is a fine example of how the state and the county can partner to provide housing options for a broad segment of a region such as West Hawai‘i,” said Gov. Green. “This is yet another example of the kauhale vision making an impact on our communities.”
“We are excited that Kukuiola will become a reality,” added Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth. “Our administration is committed to providing vital services and safe housing for our vulnerable, houseless populations.”
Kumu Keala Ching, who will perform the blessing, explained the significance of the site’s name. “Within everyone of us reflects the perfect light of life (Kukuiola), yet we are challenged throughout our journey (Kukui‘ole) – extinguished light. Located at Kealakehe, the journey of the spirit, Kukuiola allows those challenged to rekindle their existing light (Kukuiola).”
The ceremony’s focus is to acknowledge the milestone, recognize those who helped bring the project to this point, and to conduct a proper blessing of the grounds. While this event is not open to the public, representatives of the media are welcome to attend for press coverage.