Our Story

Kohala has been working to solve the divide in real estate prices and what would be “affordable” to local resident average incomes with a community-led solution since 2000. Kohala Community Land Trust (KCLT) is the fruit of the 2008 North Kohala Community Development Plan (NKCDP)’s affordable housing group, building on the work done by the 2000 Kohala Reunion’s affordable housing work group. 
 

A true community land trust model is resident member driven and serves the community to stabilize lands, commerce and homes by removing it from the speculative real estate market forever. Once held by the CLT, the improvements may be sold or leased to community members at lower than market prices. Resale restrictions allow homeowners to sell but limit the amount of price appreciation and require that they sell to another community member, keeping homes in Kohala hands. All voting rights are reserved for Kohala resident members.

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The 100% Kohala resident volunteer Board worked to create a model that would represent and serve the unique nature of Kohala. KCLT was formed and acheived 501(c)3 non-profit status in 2003. After many changes in the Board and lack of significant funding, the organization dissolved in 2006. Fortunately, those foundational documents and conversations laid the groundwork for todayʻs KCLT as a housing solution that will be governed entirely by residents of North Kohala.

 

The current Board that has been working since early 2023 to reestablish KCLT includes five members of the North Kohala Affordable Housing Group: Denni Keyes, Teri Takata, Whitney Harvey, Jack Hoyt, and Beth Robinson. Ashton Dircks, Beldon Kealoha and Terra Sutton are the other founding Board members.

None of this would have been possible without the years of dedication by the original Board, made up of Kurt von der Heyden, Bennett Dorrance, Zero Samuels III, Jodi Soloman, Dhiresha McCarver, Kaleopono Norris and Terra Sutton.

 

Supporters who are not Kohala residents are welcome to attend meetings and to contribute as non-voting members and volunteers.

 

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, Kohala Community Land Trust now can accept donations of cash or properties. If you are interested in a potential donation, please reach out to one of our founding board members or email KohalaCLT@gmail.com.

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