Kahauiki Village: A Pioneering Homeless Community in Hawaii

Duane Kurisu's public-private partnership creates a sustainable, off-grid housing solution for homeless families with children.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:03am

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Kahauiki Village, a 11.3-acre community in Oahu, Hawaii, is being hailed as a pioneering model for addressing homelessness. Developed through a public-private partnership led by Duane Kurisu, the village features 30 homes in Phase 1 and 114 more planned for Phase 2, eventually housing over 600 adults and children. The project's success is attributed to factors like an emergency proclamation that expedited infrastructure, securing buy-in from both the public and private sectors, and creating a fully self-sustaining, off-grid community.

Why it matters

Kahauiki Village stands out as an innovative and effective approach to tackling homelessness, particularly for families with children. By taking a holistic, community-based view and leveraging public-private collaboration, the project is able to provide stable, sustainable housing solutions that go beyond temporary shelters. Its success could serve as a model for other communities seeking to address the complex challenge of homelessness.

The details

Kahauiki Village is situated on 11.3 acres between Sand Island and Keehi Lagoon Park on the island of Oahu. The first phase built 30 homes, with plans for 114 more in Phase 2, eventually housing over 600 adults and children. Key factors behind the project's success include an emergency proclamation from the Hawaii governor that expedited infrastructure development, securing buy-in from both the public and private sectors, and creating a fully self-sustaining, off-grid community with utilities, internet, and childcare services provided by the city and county government.

  • Kahauiki Village's first phase of 30 homes was completed.
  • Phase 2 of the project will add 114 more homes.

The players

Duane Kurisu

The creator of Kahauiki Village, a public-private partnership that developed one of the most successful and forward-thinking communities for homeless families with children in the country.

Hawaii Governor

Issued an emergency proclamation that allowed for quicker infrastructure development for Kahauiki Village.

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What they’re saying

“Having an emergency proclamation in place, infrastructure could happen at a quicker pace.”

— Duane Kurisu, Creator of Kahauiki Village

“While government involvement is important, securing the private sector's buy-in is critical for success.”

— Duane Kurisu, Creator of Kahauiki Village

What’s next

Kahauiki Village plans to complete Phase 2 of the project, adding 114 more homes to the community.

The takeaway

Kahauiki Village demonstrates how a collaborative, community-focused approach can create innovative and effective solutions to address the complex challenge of homelessness. Its success as a public-private partnership and self-sustaining, off-grid model could inspire similar initiatives in other regions.