About 500 help build homes

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Habitat for Humanity held build-a-thons throughout the state yesterday, erecting homes for working people who otherwise could not afford them.

About 500 volunteers statewide turned out to help, said former state lawmaker Mindy Jaffe, a Habitat spokeswoman on O'ahu.

In Waimanalo, about 30 volunteers worked to build a home for Liane Kahapea, a widow and mother of three.

Kahapea is a teacher's aide working toward a degree in education, Jaffe said. She and her family have put thousands of hours into building homes for other Habitat beneficiaries, and, as required by the program, are helping to build their own.

Habitat homeowners, who earn up to 50 percent below median salary in Hawai'i of $32,400 for a family of four, pay no-interest mortgages for building materials.

Kahapea's mortgage for her home on Ala Koa street will be about $65,000.

Volunteers are welcome to assist in building the homes every Saturday, Jaffe said. Yesterday was a special fund-raising event, with money raised by the volunteers who participated.

More than $80,000 was raised statewide, Jaffe said. The Case Foundation gives $40,000 for each $20,000 donated.

To volunteer or make a donation on O'ahu, call 485-2355 or 486-7792; in Hilo call 969-4848; in Kona call 322-3320; on Kaua'i call 822-7809; on Maui call 893-0334; and on Moloka'i call 560-5444 or 553-3844.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.