(Front Row): Albert Shiotsuka, Kona Trans; Kaleo & Lahela Perreira, Lahela Kulana Corporation (Back Row): Deputy Commander Gordon Rogers & Commander R. Chris Niles, US Army Garrison – Pohakuloa; Kaui Crivello, Hilton Grand Vacations Club; Stephen Troute, US Army Garrison – Pohakuloa; Rob Gunthner & Mel Perreira, Hilton Grand Vacations Club

MEDIA RELEASE

Four Companies Received Kokua Ohana awards

On Tuesday, April 26, four organizations were recognized by Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii for Making a Difference in the Community.

Lahela Kulana Corporation, owned by Kaleo & Lahela Perreira, donated their time and energy to construct the foundation, sub-floor, floor and truss for one of the afilliatesʻs partner families. This partnership with Habitat helped to speed up the construction process and the homeless elderly couple, was able to move into their new home much sooner than anticipated. Homeowner Ben Noeau said, “My wife and I are so very appreciative that Habitat for Humanity has made it possible for my wife and I to have our very own home after all of these years. Mahalo to the many volunteers and staff for making this happen.”

Kokua Ohana awards were also presented to three organizations that came together in the spirit of “Laulima” to support the Habitat mission. This collaboration and community-minded effort was started by… the Hilton Grand Vacation Clubs, Bay Club and Kings’ Land, who offered to donate 30 units of furniture to the Habitat ReStore. Next, Chaplain Anthony Baker and his team of marines from the Pohakuloa Training area came out in full force for 2 days to help Habitat volunteers move the furniture out of the units. Finally, Albert Shiotsuka and his team from Kona Trans, already generous donors to the community for many years, were instrumental in providing the transportation services needed in order to remove the furniture from the Hilton in a timely manner and store it safely in an off-site warehouse. The proceeds from the sale of the donated products exceeded $70,000 and will cover the entire cost of the next 2 -bedroom home for a deserving Habitat family. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Patrick Hurney stated, “Support from our community is essential in helping Habitat achieve its goal of providing safe, decent and affordable housing to those who are unable to qualify for conventional financing. We are truly appreciative of these businesses and all others who support Habitat.”

Kokua Ohana award program began in 2008 to honor significant donors to Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii. Sponsors for this year’s event were Better Brands, Keauhou Beach Resort, and Kona Brewing Company.