Article from Molokai Dispatch: Habitat Completes First 'Off-The-Grid' Home

Habitat Completes First ‘Off-The-Grid’ Home


With the help from Hawaii’s leading residential solar company, RevoluSun, Molokai Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the dedication and blessing of its 19th completed home for the Kaai `Ohana. This will be Hawaii Habitat’s first “off-grid” home on Hawaiian Home Lands, as well as the first home built by Molokai Habitat with a renewable energy system.

“We are so excited because this is the first home for Habitat for Humanity nationally that is off-the-grid,” said Emillia Noordhoek, Resource Development Director for Molokai Habitat. “Molokai has the highest cost of living in the state and we are one of the most isolated islands. We wanted to build a home that would be affordable for the family and be best for our ‘aina.”

The journey to this projects completion was one of sweat, love, commitment, and of course, genuine hard work. The high cost to install the house’s electrical infrastructure – quoted by MECO at $30,000 – led to the opportunity of using renewable energy.

It was then that Molokai Habitat realized this was the opportunity they needed to build a simple, decent, and affordable home which included its own renewable energy. How can housing be affordable to the homeowner if the hidden cost of utilities is $300-$500 per month? The blessing and answer to this question came through Oahu’s Solar Contractor RevoluSun.

RevoluSun generously donated their time and labor for the design and installation of the solar system. The 21-panel SunPower photovoltaic system generates 21 kWh of electricity per day and contains three days of battery storage. Seven RevoluSun team members volunteered to install the system which took six days to complete. Young Brothers benevolently provided the shipping of all materials for the system free of charge.

“We are glad to have the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. “Molokai Habitat for Humanity wanted to build a house utilizing solar energy, so we met with the team and designed a system that would allow the family to have their energy needs provided by the sun.”

RevoluSun’s partnership with Molokai Habitat enforced their support and commitment to the goal of affordable housing and creating the reality that affordable housing can and should be green with renewable energy.

The Kaai `Ohana is more than deserving in their dream of home ownership through partnership with Molokai Habitat for Humanity. They have put in well over their 700 sweat equity hours building the homes of other partner families, volunteering at Molokai Habitat’s functions/events, and most importantly the construction of their own home. Through all the obstacles and set-backs, the Kaai `Ohana consistently composed a positive attitude and unwavering faith in the dream of someday owning their own home.

“We wanted more for ourselves and our children, so Habitat was the way to go,” said Liz Kaai, “Habitat was the ‘bomb’ and we love the volunteer process because it has allowed us to contribute sweat equity to a home we can call ours.”

The Kaai `Ohana – David, Liz and children Daizha, Davelynn, Braddah, and Nikolai – applied for a Habitat Home because they rented all their life and realized that they would never be able to qualify and afford to own their own home through conventional means. Molokai Habitat for Humanity has three criteria that potential partner families have to meet: they need to be between 25-60 percent of the gross median income for the County of Maui, have the ability to repay a 20 year, 0 percent interest loan, and most importantly they need to be willing to contribute 700 sweat equity hours towards the building of their home as well as the home of other Molokai Habitat partner families.

The Kaai’s now have the opportunity to live in a home in which they are essentially their own electric company, with the capability of regulating and maintaining their renewable energy system with the independence, responsibilities and joys of owning their own home.

This project was a labor of love and commitment from all individuals and organizations involved. Molokai Habitat is grateful to the Kaai `Ohana for their commitment, hard work, and attitude of love and generosity towards Molokai Habitat’s mission, donors, partner families, and volunteers. Without the generosity and support of RevoluSun this project would still be a dream. We cannot express our appreciation enough, and we hope their commitment to affordable renewable energy projects inspire others to partner with Habitat affiliates throughout Hawaii in making the dream of affordable energy independence a reality.

“We are a non-profit organization and rely on these types of partnerships and donations to provide affordable housing to families on Molokai,” Noordhoek said. “We want to thank RevoluSun and Young Brothers who shipped the components at no cost from Honolulu to Molokai. We’re extremely grateful to all of our partner families and volunteers for their generous support. Through these partnerships we are able to continue to grow our capacity and expand our reach to deserving families, providing options and opportunities for homeownership on Molokai.”

This will be Molokai Habitat for Humanity’s 19th completed home since becoming an affiliate in 1998. The Kaai `Ohana will officially become first-time homeowners of this blessed project in a dedication ceremony which will be held on November 12, 2010.

If you or anyone you know would like to help Molokai Habitat for Humanity in furthering its mission of eliminating poverty housing on Molokai, donations can be sent to:

Molokai Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 486
Hoolehua, HI 96729

About Molokai Habitat for Humanity
Molokai Habitat for Humanity became an affiliate in 1998, with its main intention of serving the low-income families on the island of Molokai. With the highest rates of unemployment and cost of living in the State of Hawaii, Molokai Habitat recognized the severity of the islands affordable housing crisis. Molokai Habitat’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing on Molokai, with the goal of giving homeowners a “hand-up” not a “hand-out”. Molokai Habitat also recently initiated a home renovation program as part of its efforts in assisting families to keep their current home, while making it safer and more energy efficient. For more information about Molokai Habitat for Humanity and its commitment to providing affordable housing to Molokai’s families, call (808) 560-5444 or visit molokaihabitat.org

About RevoluSun
RevoluSun, a D/E/P company, is Hawaii’s leading provider of residential solar photovoltaic and hot water systems. RevoluSun offers free, understandable, energy evaluations to its clients, which allow for customized systems based on each home’s unique energy needs. Together the founders oversaw the sales, design, and installation of $30 million in renewable energy in 2008, which accounted for 30 percent of all renewable energy systems in Hawaii, prior to founding D/E/P Hawaii in 2009. Providing the very best in service, technology and design for homeowners interested in residential solar systems, D/E/P and RevoluSun together are 25 staff members and growing. For more information about RevoluSun and D/E/P, visit www.RevoluSun.com and/or www.DEPhawaii.com or call (808) 788-8888

Article in Molokai Dispatch

From the Ground Up

Volunteers travel to Molokai to build

It takes a village – not to raise a child, in this case – but to build a home.

Molokai Habitat for Humanity’s latest project brought 15 volunteers hailing from the mainland to Ho`olehua as a part of Habitat’s Global Village program. The team was here for 10 days and left early last week, after making substantial headway for a home currently being built for the Kaai `ohana. It is expected to be completed in two months.

Global Village takes people from around the world who want to make a difference in the lives of poverty-stricken families by helping build and restore homes. The program’s ultimate goal is to help end homelessness and create affordable housing.

“I think the best thing about this program is for the ‘volunteer tourist,’ it helps give a real sense of place and deeper experience,” said Emillia Noordhoek, resource development director of Molokai Habitat for Humanity. “They get to learn about the culture and community, too.”
Noordhoek herself will be embarking on a Global Village trip to Egypt in October to build houses in rural areas.

After eight-hour days of hammering, drilling and sawing, the volunteers also found the time to delve into Molokai’s distinct culture by learning hula, hiking through Halawa Valley, canoe paddling and talking story with community members who opened their homes. Kalele Bookstore even hosted a movie night featuring Matt Yamashita’s videos as well as a talk story with Yamashita and Malia Atuagawa on the island’s current issues.

“It was hands-down the best experience,” said Julie Anne Black, a Global Village team leader. “The way we were greeted and taken care of – everyone treated us like family.”

During last week’s mahalo party for the group, Black stood up in tears, thanking the community for the love and hospitality. “Molokai will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.

Lani Brandon, also of the Global Village team, traveled all the way from New York to take part in an experience she called “life changing.”

“To be able to work this close with such a special family was the most amazing part,” she said.

Noordhoek said the team exceeded its goal, completing the construction of the walls, siding and frame of the house.

“They were an amazing group to work with,” she added. “It was as gratifying for them as it was for us.”

Molokai’s Habitat for Humanity division has offered to take in Global Village teams every six to eight weeks to gain speed with its efforts. The next team is expected to arrive in December, with two more teams scheduled for the beginning of next year.

About Molokai Habitat
Habitat for Humanity is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build affordable homes for low-income families around the world. Molokai became an affiliate in 1998 and is the only branch to serve poverty-stricken families on the island.

Last winter, Noordhoek met with state Senator Dan Inouye through an advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., and requested funds for the habitat program. As a result of the meeting, Inouye allocated $400,000 for Molokai Habitat affordable housing projects this year.

“This money will go a long way to help us build homes,” she said.

=========

Article was published in the Molokai Dispatch on August 4, 2010.

The "After" Picture

Six work days later and the house is really looking like a home.  We exceeded the expectations of the staff and family and are really pleased with the end result. 

Jazz Night at Coffee's of Hawaii

The team is enjoying jazz and dinner after an amazingly productive week of building.

Friday

David, Chris, Uncle Timmy, & Shane putting up the last piece of siding.

Friday

David drawing a picture before putting up the last piece of siding on
his house.

Friday

Anna, Matt, & Megan nailing the siding.

Friday

Neil, Bill, Gary, & Linda working on the lanai.

Friday

Julie Anne, Tina, Jana, & Don painting trim.

Friday

Mack and Linda working the power saw.

On the job site

Sara and Sarah sawing rafters for the roof

End of Day 4

It's starting to look like a house!

Entertainment at dinner last night

Lono, a local musician, sang and played songs about Molokai for us
during dinner. Jaime and Manu danced the hula.

Dinner

Earlier today, we toured Kumu Farms, a local organic farm that
specializes in growing strawberry papayas. A lovely woman named Manu,
who works at Kumu Farms, hosted us there for dinner tonight. She made
us a delicious meal, which we enjoyed while listening to a local
musician perform songs about Molokai.

Sunset

Sunset as seen from the parking lot of our hotel.

Koa wood canoe

Here is a koa wood canoe that belongs to the canoe clubs on Molokai.
It is the official material used to make canoes that compete in state
competitions, which the Molokai Canoe Club members qualified for and
will compete in next month.

Outrigger canoes

Members of the Molokai Canoe Club gave us a lesson in paddling and
then took us all out to paddle for ourselves in outrigger canoes.

End of Day 2

Day 2

Frame of second wall is up!

End of Day 1

After one day of work.

First wall

Built and raised the first wall in just over 3 hours.  Woo!

The "Before" picture

Arrived at the job site this morning and here is our before shot o the build site.

Halawa Falls

We did a 5 mile team hike and cultural immersion to and from Halawa Falls. Some of us went swimming in this pool by the waterfall.

Paella Dinner

Our hosts prepared an amazing paella dinner tonight.  It was incredible!  Thank you Emilla and Chef Matt!

Heavy Cargo

Julie Anne and Lani are at the dock on Maui ready to sail for Molokai with team supplies and food.

Team Leader Expectations

As Team Leaders, we have some expectations for our team members. We talked about these on our conference calls. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about any of the following:

On the work site:
• Safety first
• Be sure to hydrate continuously and reapply sunscreen throughout the day
• Proper attire (close-toed shoes, safety glasses, work gloves)
• If you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be doing or are not comfortable with the task you’ve
been assigned to do, find one of us or the Habitat construction foreman so we can rectify the situation.

All the time:
• Please make an extra effort to be respectful of the Hawaiian culture at all times. We are guests representing Habitat for Humanity even when we're not on the build site.
• If you go anywhere alone, be sure to let someone know where you’re going.
• Cell phones may be used during free time only.
• Patience and flexibility- despite all our careful planning, things will not always go as planned. We ask that you remain open-minded and be willing to go with the flow.
• We’re a team- we expect all team members to participate in all group activities, including team building, reflection times, and meal times.
• Live in the moment- this promises to be an incredible experience.
• Gift giving- you are giving your time, energy, positive attitude, and your help on the work site. In your trip cost, a $400 donation has been made to HFH Molokai and $100 to HFHI. Habitat for Humanity requests that you refrain from giving individual gifts.
• If you are having a problem of any kind, please let us know right away. It is very important that we work through any issues to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved- the team and team leaders, the families, the affiliate, and the community.

Newsletter #4

GV Team Newsletter

Molokai, Hawaii

July 17 – 27, 2010

Newsletter #4

Aloha! Our trip is less than a month away and we sincerely hope that all of you are getting as excited as we are. Here are a few last minute details and reminders.

Travel
We have received travel itineraries from most of the team. Thank you! We have not received or have incomplete information from the following people: Alexia, Anna and Sarah S. Please forward your a complete travel itinerary to us as soon as possible.

As a reminder, please try to arrive on Molokai as close as you can to 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2010. We will gather as a team for a Welcome Dinner that evening. Our final activity as a team will be the Mahalo Party the evening of Monday, July 26, 2010. Since there are no flights leaving after the party, please book your departure flight for the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Your transportation to the airport will be covered.

Arrival Information

We will arriving on Molokai on Friday, July 16th to prepare for the team. We will be meeting each of you when you arrive on Molokai at either the ferry terminal or airport. We will both be wearing blue Habitat for Humanity polo shirts (see photo) to make it easier for you to find us. We will be keeping an eye out for each of you but if you spot us first please come over and introduce yourself.

Missed Flights
If you need to contact us en route we will both be available by cell phone. Our numbers are listed in our email signature. If you miss your flight or it was delayed, please contact one of us immediately. If you get voicemail please leave a message including a number where you can be reached.

If you would like to leave an emergency contact number with your friends and family members back home, please feel free to give them our cell phone numbers.  We will have them on us at all times.

Conference Calls
Thanks for your prompt RSVP’s to the Conference Calls on July 6th and 7th. Further details including dialing information will be provided via email in the next week or so. Please complete the Expectations section (pages 21-24) in your Orientation Handbook as well as your Habitat Learns courses prior to your scheduled call. Please refer to Newsletter #3 for step-by-step instructions on completing your Habitat Learns courses.

What to Bring
As we have mentioned before please remember to bring your own safety goggles, work gloves, sunscreen, and water bottle for the work site. A complete packing list is available in Newsletter #2.

Laundry
We posted information about the laundry facilities at Hotel Molokai on the blog, make sure that you check it out and plan accordingly.

Breakfast and Lunch
We recently sent a survey to all team members to collect information about your preferences for breakfast and lunch. Please complete the survey by Sunday, July 4th.

Team News
Remember to check our blog for updates about the trip, and to learn about your fellow team members. You can find the blog at http://molokaigv.blogspot.com/. Also, if you have anything you’d like to share with the team, please email it to us and we will post it on the blog. Feel free to share the blog address with family and friends so they can get to know our team and keep up with our adventures on Molokai.

**If you would like to be a guest author on the blog while we’re on the trip, please send us an e-mail to let us know and we will get you set up.

Devotions
As we mentioned in our phone calls with you, we will be having daily reflection time in our team meetings to help set the tone for the day. We invite all of you to participate by sharing something with the group. If you would like to lead a reflection one day, please plan to bring any resources (readings, poems, devotions, etc.) you will need. We look forward to having some of you lead this time. Please let us know if you are interested in leading one of these reflections so that we can put you on the schedule.

Conclusion
We recommend that you save this newsletter for future reference, but it will also be posted on the blog for quick and easy reference. We will be sending one more newsletter before the trip, in early July.

Laundry Information

We have clarified the information about the laundry facilities at Hotel Molokai and wanted to pass it along to all of you so that you can plan accordingly.  They have coin-operated washers and dryers open 24 hours a day.  A load of wash costs $1.50 and the dryer is $.75 with the option to add additional time by adding additional quarters.

We encourage you to bring laundry supplies with you.  A great way to do that is to bring Purex 3-in-1 sheets.  They are lightweight and a single sheet contains detergent, fabric softener and static remover.

Based on our experience on past GV trips we have found that bringing a few work outfits and combining laundry loads with your roommates helps conserve space in your luggage for bringing other items.

Meet Team Members Gary and Linda

Hi!  We are Gary Wenz and Linda Isola.  We have done volunteer work for 20 plus years in various places on different types of projects. We are fortunate to be able to spend our summers in Minnesota,
and our winters in sunny Arizona.

Newsletter #3

GV Team Newsletter

Molokai, Hawaii

July 17 – 27, 2010

Newsletter #3

Aloha! It’s hard to believe the trip is only a month and a half away! Below you will find some important reminders. We will send a longer newsletter with last-minute details and reminders a few weeks before the trip.

New Team Members
If you have visited our blog recently, you may have noticed that two of our team members’ profiles are no longer there. Chelsea and Austin both had to drop out of the trip unexpectedly. We have already found two wonderful people to fill their spots- Gary Wenz and Linda Isola. We will be posting their bios and photos on the blog soon, so be sure to check the blog to learn about them and your other fellow team members!

Travel
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, please do so as soon as possible and forward us your itinerary. So far, we have itineraries for Jacquie, Mack, Alexia, Tina, Jana, Neil, and Matt. As a reminder, please try to arrive on Molokai as close as you can to 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2010. We will gather as a team for a Welcome Dinner that evening. Our final activity as a team will be the Mahalo Party the evening of Monday, July 26, 2010. Since there are no flights leaving after the party, please book your departure flight for the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Your transportation to the airport will be covered.

Important Dates
Trip Balance: Most of you successfully met the June 1st deadline- great job!! Also, several of you fundraised some or all of the money for your trip- congratulations to Jana, Neil, and Matt Jackson, Sarah Sawyers, and Don Nunn!!

Conference Calls: We have tentatively scheduled team conference calls for the evenings of July 6th and 7th. The Molokai Habitat affiliate has agreed to be on both calls to answer any questions team members may have for her. We will ask everyone to join one of the two calls. More details about these calls will be sent out to you later in June.

What to Bring
Please refer to the suggested packing list we included in Newsletter #2. Remember that you will need your own safety goggles, work gloves, sunscreen, and water bottle for the work site. You will not need to bring your own tools, however, if you do choose to bring any of your own tools, please make sure they are clearly marked so they don’t get mixed up with the affiliate’s tools.

Communication
Telephones will be available at the hotel. You will need to bring a long-distance calling card or other method of payment for calls to the mainland. Cell phones should not be used during team meetings, on the work site or during team activities. Feel free to use your cell phone during free time.

Team News
Remember to check our blog for updates about the trip, and to learn about your fellow team members. You can find the blog at http://molokaigv.blogspot.com/. Also, if you have anything you’d like to share with the team, please email it to us and we will post it on the blog. Feel free to share the blog address with family and friends so they can get to know our team and keep up with our adventures on Molokai.

**If you would like to be a guest author on the blog while we’re on the trip, please send us an e-mail to let us know and we will get you set up.

Devotions
As we mentioned in our phone calls with you, we will be having daily reflection time in our team meetings to help set the tone for the day. We invite all of you to participate by sharing something with the group. If you would like to lead a reflection one day, please bring any resources (readings, poems, devotions, etc.) you would need. We look forward to having some of you lead this time. Please let us know if you are interested in leading one of these reflections so that we can put you on the schedule.

Habitat Learns
All team members need to complete three courses on Habitat Learns in order to prepare for our adventure in Hawaii. These courses will give you some basic knowledge about Habitat for Humanity and are easy to complete. Each course will take you about 15-20 minutes to complete. Please take the time to read the extra tidbits within each course, there are some really interesting things built in.

To sign up for the courses, please complete the following steps:

1. Go to http://www.habitat.org/Habitat_Learns/default.aspx.
2. Click the "Online Courses" link near the bottom of the page.
3. On the left side of the screen, click on "courses."
4. On the right "Categories" sidebar, click "(Open) Foundations of Habitat for Humanity," which is towards the top of the list.
5. On the right, under the "Enrollment" column, check the boxes for "HFHI Values," "HL_BEG The Beginnings of Habitat,” and "Vision and Mission of Habitat for Humanity."
6. Click the "Enroll Now" button.
7. Check to make sure you have the three correct courses under the "Course Title" column and click the "Confirm" button.
8. You will then have to click the red "Register Now" link at the bottom of the page.
9. Fill in your contact information. When you are asked for your "Habitat E-mail" enter your primary email address. When asked for organization/affiliate put "Molokai GV 11027" and for job title put "participant.”

 Once you submit your information, you'll have to wait for HFHI to process your information. You will first receive a “registration request” e-mail. After your registration is processed, you will receive a “registration confirmation” e-mail with your user name and password. This process can take several days to complete.

Once you receive your login and password you can complete the courses by following these steps:

1. Go to http://habitatlearns.org/home/
2. Log in on the right side of the screen.
3. Then simply click the course you'd like to take! The circles on the right will show your progress through the course.

Make sure to save your answers on every page as you work your way through the site.Please be sure to save a copy of the certificate upon completion of each course, and e-mail all the certificates to us. Please let us know if you have any questions or problems throughout the process.

Conclusion
We recommend that you save this newsletter for future reference, but it will also be posted on the blog for quick and easy reference. We will be sending one more newsletter before the trip, in early July.

Only 4 more days!!!

As a reminder, the deadline to make your final payment for trip expenses is Tuesday, June 1st, 2010.  Please let us know if you have any problems or concerns. 

Meet Team Member Anna

Hi, my name is Anna Reynolds and I am a senior at Rondout Valley High School in Accord, New York. I like to play tennis, ride my horses, run, read, bake, go on adventures, hike, travel and spend time with my friends. I was born in Berlin, Germany and have lived here in the States for about 12 years but I frequently go back to visit my family. In the fall I am attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I plan to do a pre-med track with a focus on public health. Not sure what my major will be yet. My dream job is to travel around the world and do hands on work with helping developing countries have better health care systems and clean water. I am really excited to go to Hawaii and to experience a new culture with new people! Looking forward to meeting everyone in July!

Meet Team Member Sarah

Hi Everyone! My name is Sarah and I’m from Boston, MA. I’m a 7th grade Math teacher in the city and I absolutely LOVE what I do : ) This is my second time volunteering with Habitat, the first being in New Orleans post Katrina, and I couldn’t have enjoyed the experience more which is why I’m back again. I’ve never been to Hawaii, and certainly never heard of Molokai before signing up for this trip, but I can’t wait to get there, meet all of you, and get to work. See you in July!

Newsletter #2

GV Team Newsletter

Molokai, Hawaii

July 17 – 27, 2010

Newsletter #2


Aloha! There are less than 100 days until our adventure on Molokai. Here you will find reminders of the next steps and more details about accommodations, meals, weather, packing recommendations and more!

Travel
We share some specifics about making your travel arrangements in our last newsletter. As a reminder we ask that you try and book your ticket so that you arrive on Molokai as close as you can to 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2010. Our first activity as a team will be a Welcome Dinner that evening and we want the entire team there. Our final activity as a team will be the Mahalo Party the evening of Monday, July 26, 2010. There are no flights leaving after the party so we ask that you book your departure flight for the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 2010. The cost of your trip includes transportation to/from the airport or the ferry terminal.

Once you have finalized your travel plans please email us a copy of your itinerary. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Who You Are
If you haven’t already done so, please write up a brief biography and send it to us along with a photo of yourself as soon as possible. All biographies will be posted on our team blog at http://molokaigv.blogspot.com/. Make sure you check the blog often and read the biographies of your fellow team mates to that you can get to know them.

Updated Trip Itinerary (tentative)
Saturday, July 17, 2010: Arrival Day (4:00 p.m.), Team Dinner
Sunday, July 18, 2010: Hawaiian Cultural and Team Orientation
Monday, July 19, 2010: Work Day
Tuesday, July 20, 2010: Work Day
Wednesday, July 21, 2010: Work Day, Kumu Farms Tour
Thursday, July 22, 2010: Work Day
Friday, July 23, 2010: Work Day, Coffees of Hawaii Tour, Aloha Friday with The Na Kapuna
Saturday, July 24, 2010: Work Day
Sunday, July 25, 2010: Free Day, Team Activity
Monday, July 26, 2010: Team Activity, Mahalo Party
Tuesday, July 27, 2010: Departure Day (morning)

Accommodations
We will be staying at Hotel Molokai which features open-air, oceanfront bungalows that are positioned east to west, allowing prevailing trade winds and the soothing sound of the surf to gently lull you to sleep each night. Accommodations feature Polynesian décor, private lanais, and mini-refrigerators. Many rooms have convenient kitchens with updated appliances. Our newly renovated rooms feature down comforters, new furniture, and updated fixtures and fabrics. High-speed Internet and cable television is available in each room. An Internet Kiosk is also provided in the lobby for your convenience.

Other amenities include a freshwater pool, soft drink machines, hammocks, laundry facilities, an ATM machine, photocopy service, and a gift/sundries shop.

Meals
Breakfast – We will have a continental breakfast each morning at our hotel.
Lunch will be served on the work site and prepared by supporters of the Molokai affiliate.
Dinner will be a mix. Restaurants, hosted by families on Molokai or cooking as a team.

Transportation
We will be traveling in a small bus while moving around the island. The bus will be driven by David, a future Habitat home owner.

Health and Safety
There is a first aid kit on the work site and we will be bringing a first aid kit for use while at the hotel and during other activities. Both of your leaders have CPR and First Aid certification. Our hosts also have a referral list available for doctors and dentists if we need it.

Communication
Telephones will be available at the hotel. You will need to bring a long-distance calling card or other method of payment for calls to the mainland. Cell phones should not be used during team meetings, on the work site or during team activities. Feel free to use your cell phone during free time.

Packing List and Tips

• Make sure to check weight limits/bag charges for the airline that you are traveling on.
• Put some sort of identifier on your bag (small/medium black suitcases are VERY popular). It will help you when searching for your bag on a luggage carousel.
• Backpacks come in handy for taking to the work site.
• Carry anything crucial in your carry on (medications, prescriptions, ID/passport, change of clothes, toothbrush, etc)
• There are laundry facilities where we’re staying, so feel free to use them and pack less.

For the work site:

• Close toed shoes are a must
• Shorts are allowed
• You may want to bring some old shoes. We’ll be working around red dirt. Shoes and clothes will likely turn red or be very dirty.
• Bing work gloves
• No tools are required; however, if you do choose to bring your own, make sure they are clearly marked so they don’t get mixed up with the affiliate’s tools.

Please keep in mind this is only a suggested packing list. Pack light! Don’t over pack! You never need as much as you think. Here’s a suggestion: Lay out everything you plan to wear on the trip, then pack half and put the rest away. Use your judgment whether or not you’ll need everything. A lot of items on the list are optional (tools). Please don’t make clothes an optional item.

Items you WILL need:
Casual clothes for team activities/free time
Socks, undergarments, Pajamas (women may be more comfortable in a sports bra on the work site).
Personal items including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste/brush, cosmetics, prescription medications, eyeglasses/contacts, copies of prescriptions
Photo ID/Passport (for those who are not U.S. Citizens)
Water bottle
Pen
Hat/cap/bandana for sun protection
Shoes (flip-flops, work)
Swim suit, beach towel
Sunscreen, sunglasses
“Money” in the form of ATM/credit card (personal spending money for souvenirs)
Emergency contact phone numbers of family/friends

Optional items:
Book for downtime
Travel games, cards for downtime
A bag for dirty laundry
Camera
Simple first aid supplies (We will have a team first-aid kit, but you may want to bring some things like over the counter medications for yourself.)
Insect repellent
Antibacterial wet wipes
Lip balm
Watch and/or travel alarm clock
Snacks
Earplugs
Cell Phone charger

Team News
What are doing to prepare for our adventure on Molokai? Have you had any fundraising successes? Tell us about it. We want to post news updates from team members on the blog. So if you have something you would like to share with the team please email it to us and we will make sure it gets posted on the blog for all to see.

Conclusion
We recommend that you save this and other newsletters for future reference; they will also be posted on the blog for quick and easy reference. Future newsletters will contain more information about Molokai and our hosts. Stay tuned!

Meet Team Member Tina

Hello my name is Tina Cornish. I am the principal of an alternative high school in Colorado. I moved here for 5 1/2 years ago by way of Boston, by way of California, by way of Ukraine, by way of California, by way of Maryland, by way of Washington D.C. … I’ve been a wanderer since birth! I have traveled quite a bit volunteering, touring, or working. I am a Returned Peace Corps volunteer – an experience I hope to repeat someday if I ever retire.


In my free time I like to cook and gather friends, read, walk, paint, snowboard, take road trips to New Mexico, attempt home improvement projects….


I just started reading The Colony the Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai. I’m looking forward to learning a about the Hawaiian culture on Molokai yesterday and today from the local people we will be serving. I’m honored to be part of a team of people who have chosen to take their ‘vacation’ and donate it for a purpose. See you in July!

Meet Team Member Jacqueline

Hi! My name is Jacqueline Tiggs, AKA, Jacquie! I am 44 years old. At the present time I have decided to return to school and so I am now a part-time college student and homemaker. I am married to a wonderful man and we have 2 great sons (23 & 19). I love to read, sketch, listen to great music, exercise…(okay… not so much!), and make new friends.

This will be my first Habitat experience/trip and I am very grateful and excited to be involved in such a great endeavor with such, as I am so sure, great people. I look forward to meeting everyone and contributing in building a new home for a great family!

ALOHA EVERYONE!!!

Meet Team Member Mack

I am a Senior Accountant with an oil and gas company in Dallas, Texas and married to Jacqueline. We have two sons, ages 19 & 23. In my spare time I enjoy coaching and mentoring youth through sports organizations. My hobbies include traveling, basketball, fishing and I also officiate high school football.

This is my first Habitat adventure and I am looking forward to being a contributor to our team in the building of new homes for the families of Molokai.

Meet Team Member Don

Hi everyone, I’m Don Nunn.

Though not my first Habitat for Humanity experience, this Moloka‘i trip will be my first Habitat opportunity that requires travel. In the early 1990s I participated in a few rehabilitation projects Habitat was running in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. I was born and raised in Salt Lake, in the historic Avenues district there. I lived there until just after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, when I moved to the Seattle suburbs. I’ve lived in the city of Seattle proper for 3 years now, about half a mile from the Space Needle—not quite the view of the city you could see from the backdrops in episodes of “Frasier” but pretty close!

In my day-to-day life, I’m an engineer for the online services division of a major software firm here in the Seattle area. When I’m not working, I like to spend time with family and friends, travel, listen to music (both live and recorded—how fortunate to be in such a vibrant musical scene as Seattle), play cards, volunteer my time (which I don’t do nearly enough), and cook, which I don’t do enough beyond the routine stuff. I also enjoy dining for the experience of it— the flavors, the matching of a good wine or beer with a meal—which makes a trip to Hawai‘i even more exciting for the new foods, friends, and experiences of a trip like this one.

Team Newsletter #1

GV Team Newsletter

Molokai, Hawaii

July 17 – 27, 2010

Newsletter #1

Introduction
Welcome to the Molokai GV Team! This is the first of several electronic newsletters that we will be sending you over the next several weeks to share information, guidance, and advice and tips to help prepare for our adventure. Thank you for choosing to go on a “vacation with a purpose” with us!

Orientation Materials
Thank you for submitting your $350 deposit. As soon as your deposit is processed, the Global Village office at Habitat headquarters will send you an orientation package. Perhaps the most important item in the package is the Global Village Orientation Handbook. It contains a wealth of general information about the GV program, travel and the work of building houses. Please take the time to read the entire handbook!

Airline Reservations
We will not be booking group airfare. However, if you are looking for a travel agent you may contact Terrie Montjoy at Universal Travel about individual discounted mission rate tickets. You can reach Terri toll free at (866) 924-9369 or by email at univ_tvl@bellsouth.net. Make sure you identify yourself as a Global Village team member. Feel free to use you own travel agent or look into booking flights online.

To simplify things we ask that you try and book your ticket so that you arrive on Molokai as close as you can to 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2010. Our first activity as a team will be a Welcome Dinner that evening and we want the entire team there. Our final activity as a team will be the Mahalo Party the evening of Monday, July 26, 2010. There are no flights leaving after the party so we ask that you book your departure flight for the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 2010. The cost of your trip includes transportation to/from the airport or the ferry terminal.

Here are some travel resources that you may find helpful:

• There are no direct flights from the mainland to Molokai. You will need fly into one of the other major airports in Hawaii and catch a commuter flight to Molokai. The airport code for the Molokai Airport is MKK; here is a link to airport website.
• Instead of taking a commuter flight you can take a ferry from Maui to Molokai. Here is a link to their website. Please note that the ferry departs from Lahaina Harbor which is a 40 minute drive from the Maui Kahului airport. You will need to take a taxi or shuttle between the two destinations. Since the 4:00 p.m. target arrival time does not coincide with the ferry schedule it may be advisable to fly instead.
• Check out Side Step when looking for deals. It searches all available flights and finds the best deals and then directs you to seller to purchase your tickets.
• You may also want to check out the price predictor on Bing Travel. It analyzes the fares for the last 90 days and predicts when is the best time to buy to get the best price. You can set up alerts to come directly to your email box.

Once you have finalized your travel plans please email us a copy of your itinerary. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Trip Itinerary (tentative)
Saturday, July 17, 2010: Arrival Day (4:00 p.m.), Team Dinner
Sunday, July 18, 2010: Hawaiian Cultural and Team Orientation
Monday, July 19, 2010: Work Day
Tuesday, July 20, 2010: Work Day
Wednesday, July 21, 2010: Work Day
Thursday, July 22, 2010: Work Day
Friday, July 23, 2010: Work Day
Saturday, July 24, 2010: Work Day
Sunday, July 25, 2010: Free Day, Team Activity
Monday, July 26, 2010: Team Activity, Mahalo Party
Tuesday, July 27, 2010: Departure Day (morning)

Fund Raising and Trip Payment
As you should already know, the cost of our trip is $1,500, excluding airfare. This will cover all meals, lodging, ground transportation, and local cultural excursions.  $400 of the trip cost will be donated to the Habitat affiliate in Molokai and $100 will be donated to HFHI. The entire balance of the trip cost must be paid in full by June 1, 2010. We encourage everyone to make this payment online, but it can be mailed to the GV office at Habitat headquarters. NOTE: Please remember to use your eight-digit Habitat ID number and our event code (GV11027) when making your payment!

Are you interested in raising funds to cover your trip costs? Many GV participants choose this option. You can set up your own Web site and invite family, friends or other organizations (such as churches) to make a donation toward your trip. Go to the following address to set up your own web page: www.habitat.org/gv/create.html. No technical skill is required. You may then advertise your Web address and challenge others to support your GV trip. If you plan to do this, please tell us, so that we can assist you and monitor your progress.

Who You Are
If you haven’t already done so, please write up a brief biography and send it to us along with a photo of yourself as soon as possible. All biographies will be posted on our team blog at http://molokaigv.blogspot.com/. Make sure you check the blog often and read the biographies of your fellow team mates to that you can get to know them.

Team News
What are doing to prepare for our adventure on Molokai? Have you had any fundraising successes? Tell us about it. We want to post news updates from team members on the blog. So if you have something you would like to share with the team please email it to us and we will make sure it gets posted on the blog for all to see.

Conclusion
We recommend that you save this and other newsletters for future reference; they will also be posted on the blog for quick and easy reference. Future newsletters will contain more information about Molokai and our hosts. Stay tuned!

Action Items
Here are some things that you should do prior to our next newsletter:

• Read the Global Village Orientation Handbook
• Finalize your air travel arrangements and email us a copy of your itinerary.
• Send us your biography and a photo if you haven’t already done so.

Meet Team Member Megan

My name is Megan McDonald and I am a senior at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California. I play water polo and I am president of the Environmental Club. I love to bake and read in my spare time. In college, I plan on double-majoring in Sociology and Global Studies so that I will be prepared to join the Peace Corps and then work for a non-profit organization such as Habitat as a career. I am so excited for our visit to Hawaii this summer as it will be a great first experience for me in preparation for what I plan to do the rest of my life.

News from Jana

I'm at Discovery Park trying out my new HFH hat and protective eyewear for our trip : )

Travel Information

Coordinating the arrival of the entire team is no easy task.  To simplify things we ask that you try and book your ticket so that you arrive on Molokai as close as you can to 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2010. Our first activity as a team will be a Welcome Dinner that evening and we want the entire team there.  Our final activity as a team will be the Mahalo Party the evening of Monday, July 26, 2010.  There are no flights leaving after the party so we ask that you book your departure flight for the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 2010.  The cost of your trip includes transportation to/from the the airport or the ferry terminal. 

Here are some travel resources that you may find helpful:

• There are no direct flights from the mainland to Molokai.  You will need fly into one of the other major airports in Hawaii and catch a commuter flight to Molokai.  The airport code for the Molokai Airport is MKK, here is a link to airport website.
• Instead of taking a commuter flight you can take a ferry from Maui to Molokai.  Here is a link to their website.  Please note that the ferry departs from Lahaina Harbor which is a 40 minute drive from the Maui Kahului airport.  You will need to take a taxi or shuttle between the two destinations.
• Check out Side Step when looking for deals.  It searches all available flights and finds the best deals and then directs you to seller to purchase your tickets.
• You may also want to check out the price predictor on Bing Travel.  It analyzes the fares for the last 90 days and predicts when is the best time to buy to get the best price.  You can set up alerts to come directly to your email box.

Once you have finalized your travel plans please email us a copy of your itinerary.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

Native Hawaiian governement may become reality

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article that appeared in The Seattle Times on Sunday, March, 14, 2010 regarding the legislation currently pending the U.S. Senate to establish a Native Hawaiian government similar to the rights that have been extended to Alaska Natives and 564 Native American tribes. 

Native Hawaiian government may become reality

By MARK NIESSE
The Associated Press

HONOLULU - Their kingdom long ago overthrown, Native Hawaiians seeking redress are closer than they've ever been to reclaiming a piece of Hawaii.

Native Hawaiians are the last remaining indigenous group in the United States that hasn't been allowed to establish their own government, a right already extended to Alaska Natives and 564 Native American tribes.

With a final vote pending in the U.S. Senate and Hawaii-born President Obama on their side, the nation's 400,000 Native Hawaiians could earn federal recognition as soon as this month - and the land, money and power that comes with it. They measure passed the U.S. House last month.

Many Native Hawaiians believe this process could help right the wrongs perpetuated since their kingdom was overthrown in 1893. They also point to the hundreds of thousands who died from diseases spread by foreign explorers before the kingdom fell.

Read the rest of the article here.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company

Meet Team Member Matt

My name is Matt Jackson. I am graduating this June from Nathan Hale High School in Seattle. I plan on attending a technical college majoring in Automotive & Diesel. I have been volunteering for the past 5 years for Footloose Sailing, a non-profit organization helping anyone with disabilities learn how to sail. I'm excited about taking my volunteering experience to Molokai where I can continue helping people. I enjoy playing guitar, photography, cars, and running.

Meet Team Member Neil

My name is Neil Jackson. I have participated in volunteer work throughout my adult life. Volunteering with HFH is a wonderful way to celebrate my 60th birthday along with my wife and eldest son. I have three children and have raised them sailing on the waters of Puget Sound. Aside from sailing, my other passions are cooking, traveling, history, laughing, and spending time with my family and friends.

Meet Team Member Jana

My name is Jana Jackson.  I am an Office/Billing Manager for Seattle's premier Upper Cervical Chiropractic office. In high school I went on several missions trips to Mexico. I'm excited to go to Molokai Global Village to continue where I left off. Even more exciting to me is being able to share this experience with my husband and step-son. When not working, I enjoy traveling, gardening, singing, sailing, photography, hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying my husbands cooking.

Meet Team Member Sara

I'm honored that Global Village is giving me an opportunity to help with the build on Molokai. This will be my second GV trip, the first being on Kauai last summer. My Dad is the one that got me excited about the potential to help globally by his 26 year involvement with Peace Corp and Catholic Relief Services in West Africa. It has taken me a while to step up and help but I've realized the need to make time for important activities in life. My last 25 years has been centered on a career with Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers. I began as a manager trainee in Omaha, NE making burgers and fries. Currently I work out of the Phoenix, AZ Regional office in the training department. My focus is on store manager training and development. I hope some of the skills I have developed over the years come in handy during the Molokai build. More importantly, I am looking forward to learning much more than I can dream while helping others dreams be realized. I look forward to meeting the team in July.

Meet Team Leaders Julie Anne and Lani

 

Lani and Julie Anne in Seattle, February 2010

Julie Anne is a Sales and Marketing Manager for a biotech company in Kent, Washington (Seattle area).  Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was as at teenager with the affiliate in her hometown of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Her first Global Village trip was in July 2009 to Kauai .  In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.

Lani is an Operations/Analysis Manager for a New York City media company.  Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was a Global Village trip in July 2009 to Kauai. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, playing guitar and piano, and supporting social and political causes.

When Julie Anne and Lani met in Kauai they discovered uncanny similarities in their personalities and found out that they each have a collection of magazines with Princess Diana on the cover, organize their closets the same way and are passionate about the environment.  They are thrilled to be working together to lead this team to Molokai and can't wait to meet you all in July!

 Julie Anne and Lani working on the job site in Kauai, July 2009

Global Village Video

Trip Details

Molokai, Hawaii
July 17 – July 27, 1010

Hawaii's image as a tropical paradise belies the need for affordable housing, but the need definitely exists. The influx of affluent tourists and the building of vacation homes and rentals have increased the costs of living for residents of all islands, and Molokai is no exception. There is a consistent shortage of affordable housing: The average single-family home price is $477,500, but the median income for a family of four is just over $56,000. Many working-class families cannot afford to own homes where they live and work, but Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program is working to change that. Join this team and participate in building the future for Molokai's local residents. Potential team members need not have any prior construction experience to participate -- the only requirements are an open mind and a willingness to experience new cultures and different ideas.

About Molokai
Molokai is a rural tropical island, in the middle of the Hawaiian Island chain. Its population is approximately 7,500. The island is small, at only 10 miles wide and 38 miles long. Molokai ’s main economic industries are agriculture and tourism. Molokai is an ethnically diverse community with Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Black, Caucasian, Samoan and Tahitian residents.

The island also suffers a large homeless problem, with many families living on the beach, in their cars, in carports or with relatives. Working-class families have a difficult time finding homes to rent, and purchasing a home is not possible.

About Molokai Habitat for Humanity
Molokai Habitat for Humanity's mission is to eliminate substandard housing, and in the process, improve communities. Molokai Habitat was formed in 1998 and has built more than 15 homes to date. Molokai Habitat works with many families who make less than $20,000 annually for a family of four and can only afford $300.00 a month for rent.

Types of construction for volunteers
A variety of new construction awaits volunteers.

Standard itinerary
(10-day itinerary)
Day 1 (Arrival day, typically Saturday): Greeted at the Molokai
airport by team leader; dinner and team meeting.
Day 2 (Sunday): Orientation; free day for cultural activities; dinner.
Days 3–9 (Work days, Monday–Sunday): Breakfast before traveling to work
site; work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site; free time after work to clean up; time for team activities. Special events throughout the week: local activities; community dinner.
Day 10 (Monday): Free time in local community; farewell dinner.
Day 11 (Tuesday, Final Day): Departure day.

Accommodations
The lodging facility in Molokai is the Hotel Molokai, an authentic Polynesian resort located on Kamilola Beach, adjacent to Hawaii's only barrier reef.  Accommodations will be double occupancy with private bath.  Rooms feature kitchenettes with microwave and refrigerator.  Resort features a freshwater pool, restaurant, soft drink machines, hammocks laundry facilities and a gift shop.

Trip cost
$1,500

Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant airfare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities; team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated airfare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant airfare, R&R activities, and visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).

Team leaders
Julie Anne is a Sales and Marketing Manager for a biotech company in Kent, Washington (Seattle area).  Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was at the affiliate level and her first Global Village trip was in July 2009 to Kauai .  In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.

Lani is an Operations/Analysis Manager for a New York City media company.  Her first involvement with Habitat for Humanity was a Global Village trip in July 2009 to Kauai. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, playing guitar and piano, and supporting social and political causes.

Julie Anne and Lani are thrilled to be joining forces to lead this team to Molokai and hope that you will consider joining us on this unique Hawaiian island.