Home of the Year Award: Green Build Magazine Names HUD-funded Project Winner

Some new homes were purchased using HUD's loan guarantee program.

Native Hawaiian Project Named Grand Award Winner. Kumuhau is a development built by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in partnership with Armstrong Builders. It was named the Grand Award Winner--Home of the Year Award by the Green Builder Magazine. Kumuhao consists of 45 single-family homes. They are located in Waimanalo on the island of Oahu.

The project achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. It was recognized for its functional use of the natural surroundings in design layout and water and energy efficiencies. The project takes advantage of the local climate with clever siting, optimal use of local resources and details that help residents live without dependence on more mechanical solutions. Green features include solar photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems, dual flush toilets and low-VOC paints, flooring and carpet.

DHHL is using $2.6 million in HUD's Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant (NHHBG) program funds for on-and off-site infrastructure construction in the Kumuhau subdivision.

All the homes were sold in one-day. Some of the new homes were purchased by families using HUD's Section 184A Loan guarantee program. That program provides an additional opportunity for Native Hawaiians to become homeowners. The Section 184A program offers a 100% guarantee to lenders to make housing loans to eligible borrowers located on Hawaiian Home Lands.

For more information, contact your Native Hawaiian Program Specialist at the HUD Honolulu Field Office:

Claudine Allen (claudine.c.allen@hud.gov)
Phone: (808) 457-4674

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