Hawai‘i CC’s “Model Home Project”

At a dedication ceremony in Hilo, a Native Hawaiian family received the keys to a new home that was custom built from the ground up by Hawai‘i Community College students. 

The college, the family and community partners dedicated the home in the Keaukaha area of Hilo on May 12. 

The home was built as part of Hawai‘i Community College’s “Model Home Project.” The Model Home Project was established in 1965, and this year students completed the 49th home constructed through the project. 

Students in a variety of construction trades programs receive valuable hands-on experience each year by designing, building and landscaping a real home. 

Students in the college’s Architectural, Engineering and CAD Technologies program design the home; Carpentry students build the home; students in the Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology program install the photovoltaic system; Diesel Mechanics students provide equipment maintenance; Agriculture students landscape the lot; and members of the Hawai‘i Life Styles program conduct the blessing ceremony. 

The homes are built with many “green” features in keeping with the college’s commitment to sustainability. They come with a solar water heater system, a photovoltaic system, and many other features such as Energy Star qualified appliances, low VOC paints, and more. 

Since the program was founded in 1965 over 3,960 students in Hawai‘i CC construction trades programs have benefited from hands-on experience through the Model Home Project.
 

49th Model Home Dedication

University of Hawai‘i Alumni