2 ʻohana get keys to new homes — and bright beginnings — just in time for Christmas

The pitter-patter of little bare feet as joyful keiki played, racing across the newly poured pavement of a 2-car garage, signaled bright new beginnings for two Kauaʻi ʻohana as they received keys to their new homes just in time for Christmas.

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands gave beneficiaries Destiny Smith and Charleene Cummings the keys to their homes on Anu Street in the Anahola homestead of Piʻilani Mai Ke Kai during a celebration Dec. 19.

“This is a dream come true for us,” said Smith. “We didn’t think that we’d ever have a house to come home to and to be able to come home for Christmas is the best gift we could’ve received.”

The excitement was evident as the families gathered, each person envisioning the memories they would create within the walls of their new homes.

Smith looks forward to her new kitchen and espresso machine.

Cummings also delighted in the idea of spending time in her kitchen. When asked about the first dish she would prepare, she replied, “Rum cakes.”

“I think I will enjoy it here for the rest of my life,” she added.

The homes were selected by the families to meet their specific needs and financial capabilities.

Last week’s celebration included Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Kauaʻi Commissioner Dennis Neves, Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act staff and other project partners.

The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, enacted in 1996 by U.S. Congress, transformed the way indigenous Americans and Alaska Natives are provided affordable housing.

Congress amended the act in 2000 enabling comparable funding for eligible Native Hawaiian families living on Hawaiian homelands.

This applies to those whose total household income is at or below 80% of the area median income in their specific counties.

Area median income for a single-person household in Kauaʻi County is $74,350.

“I am sincerely grateful to all those who contributed to the [Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act] funding, helping these families in living the dream of our beloved Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole — to place our people on the ʻāina,” said Neves.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson said the department takes pride in celebrating every family who steps foot into a new home made possible by initiatives such as the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act.

“By offering affordable housing options through initiatives like [the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act], we pave the way for our beneficiaries’ success and ensure stability for generations to come,” said Watson.