06 Mar KHfH Passes Keys to Four More Families in Waimea Huakai
Passing the Keys
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity proudly marked a significant milestone on March 6, 2025, as we passed the keys to completed homes to four more families in Waimea. The keys were passed to the new homebuyers at a reception held in the Waimea Huakai subdivision and was hosted by the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, where the families gathered with friends, Habitat staff, Kaua‘i leadership, donors and volunteers to celebrate not just the completion of homes, but the communal effort that made it possible.
The ceremony was a joyous occasion, attended by more than 75 people who were welcomed by Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Milani Pimental who expressed her enthusiasm for the completion of the four new homes, noting that three of the homebuyers are women leading their households—a trend that is increasingly common within their organization.
Vanessa Udarbe holds up keys to the crowd
She remarked, “Our neighborhoods are comprised largely of women and children, with many women heads of household, and they are also the population most likely to be affected by substandard living conditions.” The keys were handed over just two days before International Women’s Day, underscoring the organization’s dedication to empowering women and fostering community development.
New homebuyers Vanessa Udarbe and Mila Racimo in front of their new home
Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity Board President Donna Rice then addressed the attendees, and the event was blessed by Pastor Olaf Hoeckmann-Percival of the Waimea United Church of Christ, prior to the families being presented with their keys, program completion certificates and housewarming gifts. The gathering concluded with refreshments and fellowship.
The newest Habitat homebuyers are: Derese Durant, Vanessa Udarbe & Mila Racimo, Rebecca Cameron, and Aaron Barreira. The recent home completions bring the total number of homes provided by the nonprofit to 243.
Derese “Wai” Durant and family in front of new home
“This Habitat home will make a huge difference in my daughter’s and my lives by giving us a fresh start,” shared new homebuyer Derese Durant. “Having a warm, safe place to call our own – where no one can take it from us – would mean everything.”
These homes were built with qualified homebuyers in partnership with USDA Sect. 502 Direct Loan to Homebuyers, State of Hawaii Legislature Grant in Aid Kaua`i Community Fund, Title Guaranty Hawaii, as well as many community donors and volunteers. Many of the community donors and volunteers partner with Kaua‘i Habitat through its Builders Guild sponsorship programs, which offer businesses and organizations a team build day as part of their sponsorship benefits.
Rebecca “Becky” Cameron and family receive Certificate of Occupancy
The Waimea Huakai subdivision, once fully developed, will provide a total of 32 single-family homes in addition to the 35 affordable rental units developed by the County of Kaua`i and Ahe Group to the area. With eight homes already completed in 2023, Kaua‘i Habitat is also nearing completion of five more homes in the subdivision, continuing to meet the growing demand for affordable housing on island.
Aaron Barreira with three daughters