Aloha, we are reaching out with heavy hearts but unwavering faith, seeking your kōkua and pule. In the wake of Hurricane Lala, our kauhale in Kaʻū on the Big Island has suffered devastating damage.

About Hale Makuakāne

Hale Makuakāne (The Father’s House) is an off-grid property owned by elder and Veteran Ken Smith, and stewarded by myself, Joshua Kaina. Its purpose is to provide a safe harbor for Kahu, missionaries, and laborers who are called by God to serve in this remote, underserved region.

Today, the property is a home for six people: three adults, two beloved seniors, and one teenager. Living here allows me the grace to dedicate my days to caring for local kupuna through a home care agency, making only minimum wage.

The Urgent Need

Hurricane Lala battered our community, compromising all four units on the property and threatening our ability to shelter our residents. The situation for our kupuna is our most pressing concern. A massive tree crushed the roof of Unit A, severely damaging the framing. Our two seniors are currently huddled in the only remaining dry corner of their home until they can be safely relocated.

Across the rest of the property, driving winds and relentless rain have left catastrophic water damage. The two tiny homes I share with a housemate were completely compromised, forcing us to abandon them and crowd into another battered, leaking unit. Unit B, which was still recovering from a previous Kona Low storm, has suffered severe setbacks; the roof is failing, and major mold growth means the interior must be entirely gutted.

Throughout the property, wet insulation, drywall, and ceilings must be torn out immediately to stop the rapid, dangerous spread of mold.

How You Can Kōkua

The task before us feels like a mountain, but we know faith moves mountains. We are reaching out for urgent financial assistance to hire laborers, purchase roofing materials, and conduct professional mold remediation to make this kauhale safe to breathe and live in again.

Every gift will go directly toward restoring Hale Makuakāne so it can continue to shelter our vulnerable residents and the future laborers God sends to Kaʻū. If you cannot give financially, we humbly ask for your fervent prayers for provision, swift repairs, and peace over our ʻohana.

Mahalo nui loa for standing with us in this storm, and may God bless you abundantly for your generosity.