Nonprofit Homestead Community Development Corporation, which serves Hawaiian homestead communities statewide, received a boost from Hawaiʻi Legislature’s Grants-in-Aid program that will support installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems at its Enterprise Center in the Kekaha homestead community on Kauaʻi.
“Our nonprofit, along with the West Kauaʻi Hawaiian Homestead Association, is deeply grateful to our Kauaʻi delegation — especially Sen. Ronald Kouchi and Rep. Dee Morikawa — for their continued support,” said Homestead Community Development Corporation Co-Executive Director Kara Chow in an announcement about the award. “Every dollar of this [Grants-in-Aid] award will go toward installing photovoltaic energy systems on our facility, helping reduce operating costs while strengthening the long-term sustainability of a building that directly serves homestead residents.”
Homestead Community Development Corporation in 2012 as part of a partnership with Kauaʻi Community College secured federal grant funding to develop a community-centered facility within the Kekaha homestead.
The project resulted in a multi-purpose community building that since became a gathering place for West Kauaʻi residents, local organizations and homestead families.
Hawaiian Homes Commission also issued a long-term land license to support the project’s development and operation.
“Over the past 16 years, the facility has become a catalyst for growth, collaboration and problem-solving in the community,” said Homestead Community Development Corporation Deputy Director Garrett Danner in the announcement. “Countless visioning sessions, meetings and community-driven initiatives addressing longstanding challenges have taken place within those walls.”
The nonprofit plans to pursue additional capital improvements at the facility following completion of the photovoltaic installation.
Planned improvements include the addition of restrooms and upgrades to the existing kitchen so it can become a certified commercial kitchen accessible to West Kauaʻi food entrepreneurs and small businesses.
“Our West Kauaʻi facility has served hundreds of organizations and families over the last decade,” Chow added. “Based on ongoing community input, we are focused on expanding opportunities that support local micro-enterprises, entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency in the region.”
Contact Chow via email at kara@hawaiianhomesteads.org or Danner via email at ikaika@hawaiianhomesteads.org for additional information or with any questions.
