Hawai'i Community Lending (HCL), a key player in the local nonprofit landscape, is gearing up for its second annual Hui Waiwai, an event designed to celebrate its prior year's achievements and to set the stage for future initiatives focused on alleviating Hawai'i's ongoing housing challenges. The event is scheduled for Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, and promises an evening of recognition, networking, and forward-thinking discussions.
HCL's mission is to provide financial solutions and resources to support affordable housing in Hawai'i. This mission takes on considerable weight given the state's persistent housing shortage and high cost of living. In the past year, HCL has demonstrated significant impact, providing grants and loans to local families. Last year, the organization made 394 grants and loans totaling $15.3 million Maui Now's recent report. This year, with an investment from Northern Trust, HCL is poised to offer zero-down mortgages to Native Hawaiians as reported by Maui Now.
The Hui Waiwai event offers a platform to highlight these accomplishments, while also addressing the significant impacts of federal funding reductions through innovative programs. Event attendees will have the opportunity to learn about HCL's community development solutions, network with key players in the local real estate and finance sectors, and explore potential investment opportunities aimed at fostering affordable housing projects. According to a recent article on Omidyar Fellows, HCL's efforts include providing financial support and helping families save their homes from foreclosure.
For entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in Hawai'i's business environment, Hui Waiwai presents a valuable opportunity to engage with an organization dedicated to creating tangible solutions to market challenges. With tickets and sponsorships now available, HCL welcomes community participation in its mission to make a lasting impact on Hawai'i's housing landscape.
