Aloha Spirit Vibrant at Auntie Grace’s Kokua Community

Aloha Ka Hale Pule gives fresh start to others in need building self-sustainability within kokua community

by Dina Pinos

Serving the community is very much part of what makes the Aloha spirit vibrant. Auntie Grace, a maverick of sorts founded the Aloha Ka Hale Pule (House of Prayer) where 30 members originally in need of shelter due to life’s unfortunate circumstances now have homes and food on her farm in the valley of Nanakuli.

Auntie Grace’s father George Grace Sr, was the founder of Paradise Lua, the portable toilet company and it is on her family’s land that for the last 15 years she has been opening her farm and heart to individuals and their families to live in a community. ”This is a kokua community and once they come in, they are not homeless anymore. Once you provide someone with shelter and basic necessities they are capable of thinking of how to sustain themselves, get back on their feet to better themselves and their families. Ten of our residents have jobs and the others either work on the farm or help within the community, looking after each other. People find themselves here due to all kinds of reasons – cutbacks in welfare, some former Section 8 recipients, some with drug addictions. I also serve as a counselor,” informs Auntie Grace.

Robert Figaroa repairs a ceiling fan inside one of the containers being repurposed into a living space for people in need of shelter on his property in Nanakuli, HI. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

When she first opened the farm in 2009, residents were living in tents but since 2011, they have been moved into habitable buses and trailers. George Grace Jr, the current owner of Paradise Lua facilitates Auntie Grace, assisting with the acquisition of the trailers and buses for the farm. Paradise Lua has also donated the portable showers and toilets for the kokua community.

Ku’ulei who lost her home after 21 years, is the manager of the kokua community and assists the newcomers in settling themselves into the shelter-trailers. “We have a common kitchen where we prepare breakfast and dinner and come together as a family to discuss our issues, our day’s work on the farm, or how to find jobs in the neighboring communities.

Residents of Aloha Ka Hale Pule have a community kitchen where they can gather, cook, and share food together. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

Nineteen-year-old David and his family who were evicted from their home after 17 years have been at the farm since October. “Auntie Grace offered us trailers to move into the kokua community and I have been helping with the pigs, over 100 of them, cows, goats, duck and chickens. Despite his learning disability, he is determined to acquire other skills and get a job outside. Ronald, his brother is starting a job with Impulse Repair where he will learn to become a trade mechanic. Mari, who is expecting a child soon helps as a care provider for Auntie Grace’s mother. Mase is helping another elderly couple in their 70s, looking after their yard and overall maintenance on the property to get ready for new trailer homes. Fatu who works for a fencing company was able to recently fence the entire property. “It was a wing and a prayer but I put it out there and the work was done.”

A victim of domestic violence, Crystal, in alcohol recovery and in a custody dispute for her child, was thrown out of her shelter in March. “The moment I got on the farm, I had this weight lifted off my shoulders. I have been homeless for so long, on the mainland and here and now I am a sober woman living in a container.”

Robert Figaroa, Auntie Grace’s neighbor and the professional mechanic has been helping with her project for a number of years. His family has also taught him about the Hawaiian tradition of taking people into your home as he was raised on a homestead with animals. He has a business repairing and towing cars and other heavy equipment. He assists people who are being evicted as he finds out about their plight when they need to move out of their homes, sells their belongings, tows their vehicles, and introduces them to Auntie Grace. He is clearing his property next to Auntie Grace’s to welcome more displaced people.

Robert Figaroa feeds goats at the Aloha Ka Hale Pule farm in Nanakuli, HI. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

“With COVID-19, and the loss of jobs more people are being evicted and displaced and we cannot wait for the government to do something. We are taking it upon ourselves to create a self-sustained community, ” said Robert.

Moving forward, Auntie Grace’s vision is the next phase of the kokua community. The project is to enlarge the farm and develop on 2.5 acres, 60 home trailers or containers with solar panels and plumbing where the residents can farm vegetables, raise livestock, and maintain tilapia fish tanks. Along with a larger community center and kitchen facilities, there will also be a computer learning facility. Funds are needed for the project and the Kokua community is reaching out to donors.

Forthcoming financial assistance or donations of trailers and other construction equipment will be greatly appreciated. Contact sabrina.grace57@yahoo.com

by Dina Pinos

Dina Pinos is a Canadian-born Greek, former UH graduate student and EastWest Center grantee. Thriving world traveler, seeking to uncover passionate stories to share with and serve the community.