HONOLULU – Oct. 15, 2025 – The Nareit Foundation awarded a $127,000 grant to the nonprofit Kunia Village Development Corporation that will be utilized to replace outdated electrical systems and wiring for up to 30 affordable rental homes for families of current and retired agricultural workers.
Kunia Village is a historic rural plantation community of 153 homes on 118 acres in central Oahu that is responsible for its own potable water, interior roads, and wastewater system. The estimated 30 plantation-style rental homes being repaired with the grant funding were built more than 80 years ago to provide housing for workers in the agriculture industry. Today, the homes, which range in size from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units in an open community setting without fences between lots, are being used by agricultural workers and their families and retirees of the former Del Monte plantation.
The housing improvements are urgently needed to bring the electrical systems up to code and current building standards in a dry, fire-prone area. The electrical wiring is old, malfunctioning, often exposed with the protective covering stripped away, a risk for causing a fire, and, in several cases, making the houses currently uninhabitable.
“This funding is an investment that will strengthen the overall resilience of Kunia Village and help preserve much-needed affordable housing for our agricultural workers, retirees and their families, while maintaining the historic character, cultural heritage and deep-rooted ties of our farming community,” said Alice Tupou, vice president of the Kunia Village Development Corporation. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support of the Nareit Foundation and the positive impact this will have for the future of our families and farmers who call Kunia Village home.”
In addition to providing the families of the agricultural workers and retirees with safe, functional housing to sustain their livelihoods in Kunia Village, the electrical system repairs will increase energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and support future improvements, such as solar integration and other infrastructure upgrades enhancing sustainability.
Nareit President and CEO Steve Wechsler praised the dedication of the Kunia Village Development Corporation to perpetuate the spirit and sense of belonging in a community founded on agriculture and working the land for the benefit of others. “Our foundation is thrilled to support Kunia Village and how it is making affordable homes safer in a rural community with a cherished agricultural heritage that cares for retirees while also allowing today’s workers to build a future for them and their children.”
Nareit Hawaii Executive Director Gladys Quinto Marrone commented, “Hawaii’s roots were founded in agriculture and there remains an enduring appreciation of how it shaped the wonderful, diverse culture of these islands. Workers came from around the Pacific to work in the fields and live in communities like Kunia Village that grew out of a shared way of life. We congratulate the Kunia Village Development Corporation and are proud to support their commitment to supporting those workers who continue to believe in the value of agriculture in Hawaii.”
Hawaii REITs are long-term property holders that own, renovate and manage affordable housing projects, commercial buildings, shopping centers, medical office buildings, logistical spaces and warehouses for small businesses, cell phone towers, public storage facilities, and hotels.
For more information about the support of nonprofit affordable housing projects and other charitable causes by the Nareit Foundation and Nareit Hawaii through the Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative, please visit www.nareithawaii.com.
