One 'Ohana Habitat for Humanity Project a Huge Success

[June 1, 2019, Kapa'a, HI]  When Ron and Carolyn Morinishi agreed to serve on a Strategic Plan Design Team in 2018, little did they know the impact that decision would eventually have in a small community on Kaua'i and fellow Episcopalians. 

In an article that appeared in the August-October 2018 E-Chronicle (Kaua'i Parish News),  the Morinishi's had begun work to implement an idea on Kaua'i, developed through the 'Ohana Design Team.  The team was formed as part of the Strategic Plan that was unveiled at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Convention, and they were tasked with coming up with ideas to bring congregations together.  One of the ideas they came up with involved doing service together, and they reached out to the Episcopal Churches on Kaua'i to help with a Habitat for Humanity project in Ele'ele.  With positive feedback from several churches, "One 'Ohana" kicked off on August 11, 2018.

At their first gathering, members from All Saints' Kapa'a,  the Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i (St. John's and St. Paul's), and St. Michael's and All Angels Lihue, joined forces to work on the 17 homes being built in the small Ele'ele neighborhood through Habitat for Humanity.  Since then, One 'Ohana has returned every month providing manpower, sometimes meals, but more importantly, developing a bond between the families that would live in those homes, and fellow Episcopalians from other churches. 

At the Annual Meeting of Convention in October 2018, the 'Ohana Design Team presented their implementation plans along with a video of the work they had started on Kaua'i with Habitat for Humanity.  (The video can be viewed on YouTube HERE. ) 

On May 17, 2019, nine months after One 'Ohana joined the Habitat family, the "keys of ownership" were presented to the 17 new homeowners in a ceremony attended by Mayor Derek Kawakami and representatives from the office of Governor Ige and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard  (pictured at top). ​

With the success at Ele'ele, the Habitat board announced that they would be doubling their efforts for 2019, with a target of completing 35 homes!

The One 'Ohana team was the only volunteer group to receive recognition from the Habitat board with a picture signed by all 17 homeowners.  

"We are looking forward to an even more fruitful 2019, and hope to see many more Episcopalians joining our team!" shared Ron.  

The Morinishi's are retired and spend their time between home bases in California and Hawai'i.  When on Kaua'i, they attend All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a.

Pictured at right are the Morinishi's along with Carolyn's mother, holding the signed and framed photo.  Also pictured are Fay Hanaoka, Beth Charleton, David Crocker and the Rev. David Englund.  Although most of the One 'Ohana team could not make it to the ceremony, the honor and recognition is shared by all.   

Photos contributed by Ron Morinishi

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Sybil Nishioka, Editor and Communications Contractor, Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i