News Release

Honolulu, July 10, 2023 - First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) announced today that it has donated $280,634 to HomeAid Hawaii to directly support Governor Josh Green’s statewide kauhale initiative, including the Pūlama Ola medical respite kauhale on the grounds of the Department of Health in Honolulu.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those in need, First Hawaiian Bank recognizes the urgency of creating greater accessibility to housing for Hawaii’s most vulnerable residents,” said First Hawaiian Bank Chairman, President and CEO Bob Harrison. “Governor Josh Green’s kauhale project is an innovative approach that brings together public and private partners to provide secure housing solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. By investing in this effort, we believe we are investing in a brighter future for the communities we call home.”

FHB’s donation to HomeAid supports Governor Green’s kauhale initiative to provide housing for the houseless. HomeAid Hawaiʻi is the state’s only nonprofit developer exclusively building housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit partners with Hawaii’s building industry and philanthropic community to deeply discount costs on material, supplies, and labor, saving an average 80% on construction. $100,000 of FHB’s total donation supported the construction of the Pūlama Ola medical respite kauhale, which opened on May 31 and houses hospital-discharged patients needing a continued safe and stable place to recover, including round-the-clock staffing for intake, nursing, and care coordination. The Pūlama Ola kauhale project is anticipated to save taxpayers between $3 and $9 million per year in unnecessary medical costs and repeated hospitalization of medically frail homeless individuals.

The remainder of FHB’s donation will provide HomeAid with the funds to expand its team in order to further support the Green Administration’s kauhale development plans, which call for twelve kauhale developments over the course of the Governor’s first term. This effort aims to move approximately 1,000 homeless off the streets and into permanent housing communities.

“Addressing homelessness requires the collective efforts of government, community organizations, and corporate partners,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “We commend First Hawaiian Bank for their significant contribution to our kauhale vision, which will help us provide housing solutions to those who need it most, giving them the stability and support necessary to rebuild their lives.”

Kauhale is a Hawaiian village community concept in which communal living, smaller dwellings and shared spaces are endemic to each property. These shared spaces aim to empower residents to connect and gather with the intent to foster a supportive and enduring network of neighbors helping neighbors. Master-planned communities with shared communal facilities also adds to the cost-effectiveness of developing kauhale communities.

“I have always believed in the power of public-private partnerships,” said Kimo Carvalho, HomeAid Hawaii Executive Director. “With seed funds by the State and First Hawaiian Bank, kauhale will demonstrate community-based solutions that empower people to regain their lives and well-being. My hope is that momentum builds with more community partners supporting kauhale, and developing needing housing for our homeless communities Statewide.”

In October 2022, First Hawaiian Bank also donated $250,000 to support the construction of Phase I of Puuhonua O Waianae Farm Village in Waianae Valley, a self-organized village of 250 people who live unhoused at the Waianae Boat Harbor. This kauhale, a master-planned affordable community, consists of small homes, shared bathroom and kitchen buildings, and a working farm to feed village residents and fuel microenterprises.

FHB launched its 165th anniversary celebration by donating $50,000 to James Campbell High School on March 24 to support the girls’ athletics program. This donation marked the beginning of the bank’s anniversary giving campaign in which FHB will donate a total of $1.65 million over the course of the year to Hawaii nonprofits and community groups.