D.R. Horton Hawai‘i’s Land Gift Propels a New Era for Hawaiian Humane

We are embarking on the grand opening of our new ‘Ewa campus this spring, which will mark the single largest expansion in Hawaiian Humane’s history and will vastly increase accessibility to our 30+ programs and services for West O‘ahu residents. This second campus would not have been possible without the generous gift made by D.R. Horton Hawai‘i of the fi veacre parcel on which Hawaiian Humane’s new Kosasa Family Campus resides.

Announced in March 2015, D.R. Horton Hawai‘i’s donation was earmarked as part of its Ho‘opili development. Hawaiian Humane’s late President and CEO, Pamela Burns, stated at the time, “To our knowledge, this is the first community in the nation in which a center for animals and people is an integral part of the master plan.”

We spoke with D.R. Horton Hawai‘i’s Division President, Tracy Tonaki, to learn more about the impetus for the land gift and the impact Hawaiian Humane’s new campus is expected to have in the greater West O‘ahu community. Our conversation was edited for length.

Paw Prints: What is D.R. Horton Hawai‘i’s vision for the greater Ho‘opili development?

Tracy Tonaki: Ho‘opili means “Coming Together.” This has been the foundational vision of the conceptual planning, thoughtful design and mindful development of the Ho‘opili master-planned community. At full build out, Ho‘opili’s over 1,550 acres are planned to bring together nearly 11,750 families in a live-workplay, mixed use lifestyle designed to integrate a wide variety of residential opportunities, neighborhood and regional commercial uses, industrial businesses, transit-oriented development, schools, community parks and recreation amenities. D.R. Horton Hawai‘i’s mission is to build homes for Hawai‘i’s families.

Paw Prints: When is the Ho‘opili development scheduled for completion?

Tracy: The first families began moving into Ho‘opili in July 2017. To date, nearly 2,400 families call Ho‘opili home. We remain committed to fulfilling the vision of Ho‘opili, upholding our stewardship of the lands and continuing the build out of much needed housing for Hawai‘i’s families. It will take us some time to fully complete Ho‘opili, and our entire D.R. Horton team works tremendously hard each and every day to honor these commitments.

Paw Prints: D.R. Horton gifted the fi ve-acre parcel of land from the Ho‘opili development to Hawaiian