George and Janet Kauhi are the first homeowners in the 98-unit Waiehu Kou 4 subdivision, developed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Dowling Co.

Nine other families are expected to receive their keys by the end of the year. The project comprises 86 turn-key homes and 12 self-help homes being built by Habitat for Humanity Maui Inc. Work on the first home with Habitat for Humanity started July 21, with employees of Dowling Co. joining more than 250 volunteers.

Micah Kane, chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of DHHL, said that with the eventual build-out of Waiehu Kou 4, the state will have developed 426 homes and lots for Native Hawaiians in partnership with Dowling.

The Maui developer also was involved the Waiehu Kou 2 and 3 subdivisions and the Villages of Leiali'i in West Maui.