LT. GOVERNOR HELPS BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON MAUI

July 21 - On Maui last week, the Lt. Governor helped a dozen Native Hawaiian families build the houses they will live in.

The construction was part of the 4th annual "Build-A-Thon" led by Habitat for Humanity as part of its five-year plan to complete 200 homes statewide for low-income and middle-class wage earners.

In June 2007, Lt. Governor Aiona signed a bill into law as acting Governor that gives Habitat for Humanity the flexibility it needs to use grants from the state to build homes on either state or private land.

"We believe that our community will be judged on how we care for our most needy residents," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "And our citizens cannot even begin to achieve their goals and ambitions if they cannot afford a basic home for their families."

The Habitat for Humanity project at the Department of Hawai`i Home Lands Waiehu Kou IV subdivision benefited 12 families who passed a thorough screening and agreed to help build their houses.

"The Lt. Governor got his hands dirty," said Sherri Dodson, executive director of the Habitat for Humanity Maui. "He was into just about everything. He dug holes, pounded nails and even helped frame a house. He just wouldn't sit still."