There are few projects as satisfying as helping a family build their house.

On Feb. 29, a group of 25 sailors from Kaua'i's Pacific Missile Range Facility spent the day working on new homes for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The Kekaha housing development on the west side of Kaua'i near the Navy base is the first new Hawaiian Home Lands development to be added to the community since 1988. Of the 49-lot subdivision, 20 of the houses are part of a self-help "sweat equity" program in which families work on their own and neighbors' houses to get them built.

The sailors had such a good time putting in hard work, they say they want to do it again.

"At first I didn't realize what the project was for. After I found that it involved helping the community by providing affordable housing, I was excited to work hand-in-hand with the families building their homes," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Jessica Truax. "This project is something I want to be part of on a regular basis."

The PMRF sailors worked in teams on painting, hanging drywall and assembling cabinetry.

"We are trying to have them done by the end of June," said Doug Kennedy, a project manager with Kikiaola Construction, the company hired to oversee the building. "All the houses must be done before anyone can move in." Kennedy said about half of the families involved in the program are from Ni'ihau. The families spend weekends working on the houses, but recently have been coming on weekdays after work to get the homes finished by the target date.

"We are thankful for the help," said DHHL Homestead Development Coordinator Kamuela Cobb-Adams. "I was there that day PMRF was there, and their work was very appreciated."

Reach Lee Cataluna at lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.