HELP PuaLaà build her tiny home.

Kokua Mai, ke òluòlu mai.

Please help PuaLaà to complete construction of her tiny home on wheels.

Funds are needed to finish construction;

(roofing & siding materials, builder’s fees, basic electric & plumbing).

Support her brave endeavor to create sustainable, affordable housing; using mostly reclaimed & repurposed materials. A solo 'mana wahine', born and raised in Hawaiì. It is her dream to have a home; non-toxic, mold free, off-grid, solar powered, organic and healthy living on her native soil, Kauai.

PuaLaà is a Native Hawaiian of mixed ancestry. A single mother who raised her son to be a healthy, functioning, respected member of community. A yogini and professional dancer for 40+ years; a healer and body worker, licensed masseuse for 25+ years; an educator, mentor and teacher of children, youth and women; a cultural practitioner and environmental activist, a birthing doula, an artist and healthy living, wellness advocate.

She is an active member of the community; gifting her time and energy generously to support healthy children, mamas and babies, elderly kūpuna care and empowering individuals thru enrichment programs that cultivate health, wellness, wisdom, peace and harmony.

PuaLaà's tiny home project began in 2019, by gathering salvage and reclaimed materials that supported her vision. In 2020 she purchased a 24' trailer for the foundation. From 2021 to 2023 her focus was to work, and save money for the build; when that deemed insufficient, she secured a personal loan. 2023 was a the year to begin construction; with many great hopes and much enthusiasm! In April, she entrusted her project to a local, non profit trades school. Finally, In August construction began; yet, encountered many unexpected challenges, costs and delays.Sadly, in October the much contemplated, strongly advised decision was made to tear down the structure due to faulty construction at the foundation level; causing great stress, duress and a lot of anguish; as well as unexpected costs in materials, labor and fees. In November, a new team of two skilled, local builders began the tear down and rebuild of the framing. The build/tear down/rebuild costs exceeded her budget, used up the gathered materials, depleted her savings and resources, and maxed out credit.

Her goal to reach DRY-IN phase before rainy season arrived was not met.

The story does not end here. No! For this is a tale of a heroine's journey; of sovereignty, self-determination, self sufficiency and sustainability. Set backs are not a sign of defeat. Sight set for success! This is not a frivolous novelty; housing is a necessity! Now is the time to draw deeper upon courage; facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and rising up.

Eō! Ea!

Eō LONOMAKAHIKI! The Blessed rains have arrived.

Uē ka Lani, e Ola ka honua! When the heavens weep, the land rejoices!

Celebrating the arrival of the Ua is easier in the comforts of a dry home; tho, our lands, aquifers, streams and `āina need the rains.

Now, it's 2024. It is her hope to complete the tiny home build; first to seal it up, then weather proof to dry-in. Next, to install roofing and exterior siding. Then, to install basic plumbing and electrical wired for solar array and hopefully essential interior build out.

Many materials, including solar panels and interior walling/ceiling have already been purchased. Roofing, siding and some materials are yet to be purchased. Most materials were salvaged/reclaimed/repurposed; bringing costs down. PuaLaà designed her tiny home and does hands on labor, shop-boy, clean up, painter, and multitude of tasks to lower costs. Majority of funds are to pay carpenters for construction labor.

In these times, the housing crisis and shortage of affordable housing has displaced many locals and native Hawaiians from their homes; creating hardships that a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle cannot easily solve. Having spent the last five years living in a retro-fitted school bus has greatly compromised her health and well being. In a bold attempt to improve her living circumstance, to be self-sufficient; PuaLaà has embarked upon this daunting task and heroine's journey in creating her own affordable housing, movable on wheels. Her hope is to attain her goal of safe, clean, sustainable home of her own.

Please consider helping her to attain her goals.

Please share widely, with your community and friends. It is difficult to ask for financial assistance; in this time of turmoil and change.

This call for help is made out of necessity, with humility and gratitude.

Pictures and videos available to be shared and posted. Documentation and receipts are available for verification.

Questions and positive suggestions are welcomed. Assistance with labor and skilled carpentry is invited!

The funds will be used to pay the carpenter fees: 2@ $50./hour. Roofing materials, siding trim. Basic electric and plumbing.

Thank you.

Mahalo nunui.

Aloha nō, aloha kākou.