Your Path Home
E Hoʻomaka — Begin Your Journey
This page is for you — the DHHL beneficiary who is ready to take the next step toward homeownership at Laʻi ʻŌpua Village 4 Hema.
For too long, Native Hawaiian families have waited for this moment. The land is ready. The homes are designed. The path forward is clear. Let us walk it together.
Know Your Program
There are two homeownership programs available at Laʻi ʻŌpua Village 4 Hema. The first step is knowing which one is right for your ʻohana.
Turnkey — A direct purchase pathway. You qualify through a traditional mortgage lender, select your home and your lot, and purchase. If you believe you are ready for a traditional mortgage — your path starts now. Although the deadline for the Lot Selection on April 18, 2026 has passed, you can still be included on the backup list, which will expire once all homes have been awarded.
RWOTP — Rent With Option to Purchase — A structured path to homeownership over time. You qualify, select your lot, and rent with a clear and defined path to purchase. Designed for families who need more time to build toward ownership. If you missed the interest deadline but still want to learn more for future developments, we’re hosting an RWOP Deep Dive Workshop on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5 PM.
Not sure which program fits your ʻohana? That is exactly what Helen Wai is here for. Keep reading.
Your Three Lanes — How to Get Your Pre-Qualification Letter
Regardless of which program you choose — a pre-qualification letter is required for lot selection. No letter. No lot.
Here is how you get yours:
Lane 1 — You know you qualify for a traditional mortgage
Go directly to your bank or lender and request a pre-qualification letter. We recommend American Savings Bank — experienced with DHHL homestead financing.
→ See our [Partners & Lenders] page for recommended lenders and financial resources.
⚑ Turnkey Lot Selection is April 18, 2026. If this is your path — contact your lender today. Time is short.
Lane 2 — You are not sure where you stand financially
Start with Helen Wai. Helen is a dedicated resource for DHHL beneficiaries and your first call if you are unsure which program fits your situation.
Helen will sit with you, review your documents, confirm your household size and Area Median Income, and direct you to the right program and lender for your ʻohana. Her goal — and our goal — is to make sure every willing family has a path forward.
Helen Wai 📞 (808) 867-8021
✉️ kokua@helenhomestead.com
🌐 www.helenwai.com
Lane 3 — Helen determines a different program is a better fit
No family leaves Helen without a direction. If Village 4 Hema programs are not the right fit for your ʻohana's current situation, Helen will refer you to Self-Help or Habitat for Humanity programs available at Laʻi ʻŌpua Villages 1, 2, or 5.
The door is never closed. It may just lead somewhere different.
Upcoming Events
Come meet the team in person and get your questions answered face to face.
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 — In-Person Workshop with the Project Developer
🕔 Evening — time to be confirmed
📍 West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Kailua-Kona
📅 Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — RWOTP Applicant Workshop: Path to Homeownership
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💻 Online via Zoom — link to follow DHHL beneficiaries serious about the RWOTP program — register now.[REGISTER FOR THE RWOTP WORKSHOP →Registration link: https://qrco.de/RWOTP
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 18, 2026 | Turnkey Lot Selection |
| May 12, 2026 | RWOTP Applicant Workshop / Deep Dive |
| June 2026 | Model Homes Open for Tour |
| July 11, 2026 | RWOTP Lot Selection |
| April 2027 | Construction Begins |
| June 2027 | Homes Completed — ʻOhana Can Move In |
The Timeline
Gather Your Documents
If Helen Wai is your next step — start gathering your documents now. The sooner you have them ready, the sooner Helen can complete your assessment and the sooner you have your pre-qualification letter in hand.
You will need:
Identification Driver's license or state ID for the Primary Lessee and Co-Lessee. Name and birth date for all other Household Members.
Income(All Household Members) Most recent paystubs, benefit statements, and federal tax returns. Business owners will need additional documentation.
Assets Bank statements, retirement and investment account statements, and proof of savings.
Debts Mortgage, loan, line of credit, and credit card statements.
→ Download the full DHHL Financial Assessment Document Checklist [PDF]
Ready to Take Your First Step? Your path home starts with one action — getting your pre-qualification letter. Whether that means calling your lender or calling Helen Wai, the time to move is now.
REGISTER FOR THE RWOTP APPLICANT WORKSHOP →
Helen Wai | (808) 867-8021 | kokua@helenhomestead.com | www.helenwai.com
Kalanianaʻole Development | info@kalanidev.com | 808.464.7084 | www.laiopua4.com
