Exteme Makeover Home Edition in Hawaii

[Karen]

Howdy, y'all...

SOMEBODY that uses this forum has got to know what part of the island that Tye Pennington and his crew are building on starting Monday June 4! Not a thing wrong with talking about it and you know a lot of people know. They just prefer it not be broadcast to the whole island. (well, how many local readers does this cool place have? LOL)

Input...need input, number five alive..LOL

aloha huggz~ K~

[LikaNui]

Sorry I don't know the answer, but hopefully someone here will.
Personally, I stopped watching the show about a year ago. I was going through too many boxes of Kleenex.

:o

[DannyWilliams]

Didn't the show get the ax from ABC?

I used to watch it from the begining but lost touch....

Maybe cuz Ty got too obnoxious and yells too much on the show:rolleyes:

[glossyp]

I haven't heard a word about where they might be filming. I'm guessing they'll be somewhere out of town as that would certainly be more picturesque. Maybe the North Shore? Tutusue, any ideas?

[tutusue]

I haven't heard a word about where they might be filming. I'm guessing they'll be somewhere out of town as that would certainly be more picturesque. Maybe the North Shore? Tutusue, any ideas?
Actually, I don't know! If I did and the location had not yet been released in the press, I wouldn't be the one to release it! ;) I just checked the very public Hawaii Film Office blog (http://www.hawaiifilmblog.com/) and could find no mention of the show. Sorry.

I know whatcha mean, LN. I should buy stock in Kleenex!!! Two of my grandsons are obsessed with all things construction related so that's their favorite show. Here they are with Paul a couple of years ago...a dream come true for the little guys!

[Hellbent]

My brother-in-law who lives in Kalihi said they were considering something on his street; but for the life of me I couldnt figure out why they would want to do something in Kalihi... Do they usually work in the ghettos? =P
He lives allllll the way in the back.

[1stwahine]

Hmmmm...could they consider ME at MWH?

Can they? Could they?

Pretty Plezzzzzzzzzzz!:p

Auntie Lynn:D

[tutusue]

My brother-in-law who lives in Kalihi said they were considering something on his street; but for the life of me I couldnt figure out why they would want to do something in Kalihi... Do they usually work in the ghettos? =P
He lives allllll the way in the back.
I dunno...Kalihi Valley is pretty cool! I know several non-ghetto type people who live there and have renovated their places substantially. One of 'em occasionally hangs out in HT! ;)

[anapuni808]

uh, they don't usually do new houses for rich folks - so, Kalihi could be one possible location. Their ads for this season said they were doing all 50 states this year so they will be coming. I for one would like to see what they really can do - I love the show, kleenex & all! I cry every time. and there are certainly some deserving families here. There are also a lot of "houseless" folks that would be well served by having a house built for them - I hope they look into things like that while here. A lot of people on the continent think if you live in Hawaii, you must be rich. Boy, is that a wrong concept!

[princessdiz]

http://www.hawaiifilmandvideo.com/blog/
ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover - Home Edition series begins filming season five’s premier show on Oahu for one week in late June or early July. Oahu was selected over Kauai. The production notified Kauai officials May 4. Ty Pennington hosts the show.

From other things I gathered, a few families are told "you may be selected" and on the day construction starts they families are told.

[tutusue]

The "door knock" is next week (not Monday, as I understand it!). Specifics will probably be reported after that. I honestly don't know the location but it appears the show is taking into account the anticipated throngs of lookie-loos. I hope to be amongst them!!! Actually, I'd like to be a volunteer. Oh wait...I'm in the throws of my own extreme condo makeover! :eek:

[cezanne]

I wanna help! I like to donate my time and skills for good causes... but for this one I wanna see just how good the workmanship really is. ;)

[tutusue]

[...]Not a thing wrong with talking about it and you know a lot of people know. They just prefer it not be broadcast to the whole island. (well, how many local readers does this cool place have? LOL)[...]
Well, yes, there is a thing or 2 wrong with talking about specifics before the door knock! That's why specifics are withheld 'til after the door knock. Don't wanna ruin the surprise for the recipients. :rolleyes:

Regardless of how many local readers this cool place has, this is still a public forum capable of ruining surprises.

[blueyecicle]

Right before I moved they had a story in the paper about Extreme Home makeover.
A needy family applied and they got it BUT they were on a year LONG waiting list!

So the town I lived in did one for them,

I guess that once they apply it takes about 12 - 18 months to even have them show up at your home.

[Hellbent]

I dunno...Kalihi Valley is pretty cool! I know several non-ghetto type people who live there and have renovated their places substantially. One of 'em occasionally hangs out in HT! ;)

eh, didnt mean to insinuate that ppl living in kalihi were not cool. im not familiar with the show, but have read the comments here.

[tutusue]

eh, didnt mean to insinuate that ppl living in kalihi were not cool. im not familiar with the show, but have read the comments here.
No problem! I was just trying to enlighten people to Kalihi Valley and that it's a hidden treasure, not a ghetto! ;)

[Karen]

Tutusue, I stand, err sit corrected! you got that right that if they haven't notified the family then it would be wrong. I meant after the fact and during the building it wouldn't be, but then I didn't understand how they notify them, either.

We dig the show a lot and yet it sounds so fake when they say they are surprising the family, yet they always are up and all dressed early in the morn, all present and accounted for, etc. After I started the thread here I found an old article at the Star bulletin about Hawaii having been chosen, and how they do it.

They accept written applications, then choose a pool of people from those apps. from the chosen state, then they send people to that state to make the videos for their own producers, take them back and the family is chosen. however, they don't phone and tell them, but they tell a pool of the most deserving that they are among the pool, IF I got it right, so I guess this keeps them all at home and waiting for the knock on that Monday, and the one family supposedly really IS surprised.

Mufi said he knows what area of the island it is but that he of course ain't talkin. ;) He said that on KSSK Friday. Heck, I don't want to spoil that family's surprise of course! I just want to know what community the traffic and excitement's about to happen in. surely by Monday night it'll be all over the news, and with KSSK's rockin posse, I bet someone will spot that bus....by the way, how will they have the bus here? Matson? a borrowed bus? LOL.....

the Hawaii show is indeed their season opener next Sept. Bring it on! I'm ready for cooler weather already.

[tutusue]

Tutusue, I stand, err sit corrected! you got that right that if they haven't notified the family then it would be wrong. I meant after the fact and during the building it wouldn't be[...]
Discussion at that point is fine and, hopefully, we'll get many reports from HTers! We can also discuss the show now, 'cept there isn't much to discuss!!! Maybe there'll be a cast member (or 2) sighting prior to the door knock! Does Ty surf?! :cool:

I'm curious to find out if there is any "remodel support" after the week of construction. That is, if detail work that's not integral to the reveal gets done after the fact or if the homeowners are on their own at that point.

I'm hoping the reveal doesn't take place on my moving day 'cuz I wanna see it...live...with a box of Kleenex in hand!!!

[glossyp]

Discussion at that point is fine and, hopefully, we'll get many reports from HTers! We can also discuss the show now, 'cept there isn't much to discuss!!! Maybe there'll be a cast member (or 2) sighting prior to the door knock! Does Ty surf?! :cool:
I saw him on one of the evening news casts last night participating in the Access Surf event. I don't remember which station I was watching, but they plastered his name across the bottom of the screen.

[tutusue]

I saw him on one of the evening news casts last night participating in the Access Surf event. I don't remember which station I was watching, but they plastered his name across the bottom of the screen.
Is that a local event? :confused: :o

[Karen]

I saw Tye, too!, First from a distance cuz he was out with the surf then up close and recognizable. It was on KGMB's ten PM news. Maybe they have a video of it at their website, or are they the only tv news that doesn't provide news videos? can't recall but one doesn't and I think the others do.

How many Sears are there on island? I only use the one at Pearlridge. Let's all go shop Sears this week. :D The one I want to have a sighting of and maybe hug his neck is Michael. Well, I dig all of the guys on that show but Michael has this huge smile and reminds me of some guy from highschool.

[tutusue]

I saw him on one of the evening news casts last night participating in the Access Surf event. I don't remember which station I was watching, but they plastered his name across the bottom of the screen.
Is that a local event? :confused: :o
Aha! Found it here (http://www.kgmb.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=11604). Very cool.

[kaneohegirl]

No problem! I was just trying to enlighten people to Kalihi Valley and that it's a hidden treasure, not a ghetto! ;)

an besides if they was to do it in da ghetto of kalihi they'd have to fight of Rats the size of small poodles LOL I know I remembah big dang things down there.... survivor of Puuhale rd.... LOL

[tutusue]

I, for one, hope the home is in Kalihi Valley rather than the west side or north shore. I don't have much gawking time between remodeling and packing so I'm hoping for a short drive! How selfish is that? :D

[Karen]

Good luck getting near enough to see it and I don't mean that smarty like, I am sincere. I suspect that the HPD that love to close off roads will make sure most of us don't even get a peek. ;)

I dunno why but I keep thinking it's probably really rural like Waimanalo area, and yet don't have a solid clue. Why hasn't someone posted about it that drove past it or heard about it? Darnit.....

[cezanne]

I heard it was gonna be some house on Hawaii Loa Ridge. :D

[tutusue]

Good luck getting near enough to see it and I don't mean that smarty like, I am sincere. I suspect that the HPD that love to close off roads will make sure most of us don't even get a peek. ;)
Maybe yes...then, again, maybe no. ;)
I dunno why but I keep thinking it's probably really rural like Waimanalo area, and yet don't have a solid clue. Why hasn't someone posted about it that drove past it or heard about it? Darnit.....
See post #11 in this thread.

[Karen]

Thanks, gal and I now suspect that I misunderstood the mayor. I heard him speak about it last week on KSSK and I really strongly thought I recalled him saying Monday. Hmmm....watching, listening....

Meanwhile, I hope your move goes very well for you. Aloha huggz~

[tutusue]

Thanks, gal and I now suspect that I misunderstood the mayor. I heard him speak about it last week on KSSK and I really strongly thought I recalled him saying Monday. Hmmm....watching, listening....[...]
Keep in mind there are probably lotsa stories floating around...intentionally, I'd guess.

Wow! It's been decades since I've been referred to as "gal". My avatar proves that! :D

[LikaNui]

I guess it's happened by now, but here's a story about it (http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070606/LIFE/706060352/1076) in today's Advertiser.
No news yet on who or where, but.

[Karen]

Wow, I had missed that article, so thanks for the link. Oh wow, too cool...a place where you wouldn't expect, Hmmm....not Waimanalo, Wahiawa or North Shore? I didn't see anything unusual in Mililani today, but that doesn't prove anything. Kalihi after all?? Man, curiosity and trying to guess is fun.

KSSK was wondering if they've surprised the family by nine AM and I was thinking.....dang! it's usually earlier than that, but dunno.

As popular as this website is then surely someone will post soon about where it is. C'mon!! :D

[shaveice]

more info here:

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/06/br/br0549823671.html

[Karen]

Yes, just found it and man is this a beautiful story!! Woo hoo, Kalihi for real, and yet the house sounds dangerously in disrepair, and oh wow, gonna be a two hour special!! God bless this family and wow, He has. I am digging it and so jazzed. The mom especially sounds like what I call an "earthly angel."

Man, I live Central island and won't be getting a peek, selfishly. Tutu, how about you? how's the move going and do you think you'll get over there?

Okay, enough of my selfishness. Now that it isn't a secret anymore....if any reader is a volunteer, business person or in ANY way gets a peek, please take the time to post when you can and share with us.

I dig good news and this is, so just another "wow" in closing.

:)

[Lei Liko]

Because I work in the non-profit sector, I've had the pleasure of meeting Momi on several occasions and I am so very happy for her and her entire `ohana.

Fabulous doesn't even begin to describe her. She's truly deserving of this wonderful opportunity!

[tutusue]

[...]if any reader is a volunteer[...]please take the time to post when you can and share with us.[...]
Will do! I'll know more tomorrow. BTW, the "door knock" was always scheduled for today, not last Monday! I was sworn to secrecy altho' I didn't know the location! ;)

A big congratulations to the Akana Ohana! And they get a 2 hour special, to boot. This has got to be a dream come true for the HVCB!

[lavagal]

Keep in mind there are probably lotsa stories floating around...intentionally, I'd guess.

Wow! It's been decades since I've been referred to as "gal". My avatar proves that! :D


NOT! I use it all the time and you're one of my favorite gals!

This is a great gift for the Akana Ohana in Kalihi. What a blessing. Great to see good works rewarded.

[princessdiz]

What a great story!!

TheHawaiiChannel (aka KITV News) has a whole section on it. You can find it http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/extremehomehawaii/index.html . It will be great to see the pictures of the every day movement. I also commend the neighbors who will have their lives turned upside down with the 24 hour construction going on.

This is one I will want to watch from the beginning! :)

[hifotog]

Watch me blow the cover! FYI...all you autograph seekers and curious...I live almost by KV....but the next valley kkhd. However, a few times when I did a side job, and my parents close friend lives in KV, per what images i saw on kitv's website, IF u know along time ago when this stretch of Kalihi St road used to "house satellite dishes" in a lot...and nearby, sometimes there were cows pasteurizing in that massive grassy area....well, thats where the PROD Crew is housed at...I assume starting today, traffic will be definetely CHOKE! Please be patient cuz the road is a 2 way, but sometimes narrow...

[tutusue]

I doubt they'll allow lookie-loos into the valley. Shuttle service has been arranged.

[EastCoastTropics]

Mahalo for the links!! I love EMHE and cannot wait to see this ep come the new season!

[Karen]

Any of us can go to Pier 38 and be shuttled in to watch the process. Knowing me, I won't even leave Central Oahu to go to the pier to get my ride into there, LOL. I dunno....anything can happen and hubby and I are both fans of the show.

[Random]

Heh. The bad part of me have this overwhelming urge to want to sabotage the show by making them go longer than 7 days.

[LikaNui]

Heh. The bad part of me have this overwhelming urge to want to sabotage the show by making them go longer than 7 days. Yeah, that would sure give the world a good impression of Hawai`i. :rolleyes:

Good thing you were kidding.
I hope.

:rolleyes:

[Karen]

LOL on the sabotage joke. It's already an eight day build according to some accounts. Heck, why would that be so bad? is the seven day build for keeping costs down? I suppose....cuz otherwise it couldn't matter to viewers how long it took, with film editing.

[tutusue]

It's probably an 8 day build because of renovating the Keiki O Ka Aina headquarters down the street...and because it's a 2 hour special.

[scrivener]

I know almost nothing about this show, but I'm typing this from the Starbucks in Kam Shopping Center, and a big, burly guy with floppy yellow hair, wearing an Extreme Makeover Home Edition shirt walked in and ordered a few huge cups of coffee. People came over to talk to him and talk about the project. He was quite animated and friendly. I didn't hear the conversation because I didn't even notice him until he was about to leave.

[cezanne]

<Raises cup with water from the igloo water dispenser> : Here's to Hawai'i's finest builders... make us proud!

[Random]

Good thing you were kidding.
I hope.

:rolleyes:
Keep hoping. ;)

Though I would keep an eye out for Ty on the road in case he's driving drunk.

[Random]

LOL on the sabotage joke. It's already an eight day build according to some accounts. Heck, why would that be so bad? is the seven day build for keeping costs down? I suppose....cuz otherwise it couldn't matter to viewers how long it took, with film editing.
Because they always complete the houses in the mainland in 7 days, though edited down for a one-hour show.

[Random]

BTW, would it be cruel to the Japanese billionaire Gensiro Kawamoto if we selected one of the families who moved into one of his houses for an extreme house makeover?

It shouldn't bother him because he did demo'ed the property wall and filled up the pool with dirt.

[kaneohegirl]

It's probably an 8 day build because of renovating the Keiki O Ka Aina headquarters down the street...and because it's a 2 hour special.

the one they did out here in KC was in all actuallity a 9 day thing... tho they say its really only 7 everything said and done it took them 9 days... so I wouldnt be suprised that it takes 8 or 9 out there.

[tutusue]

the one they did out here in KC was in all actuallity a 9 day thing... tho they say its really only 7 everything said and done it took them 9 days... so I wouldnt be suprised that it takes 8 or 9 out there.
I wonder, when they say 7 days, if that includes only the construction and excludes the demolition and clearing? The Akana's home was completely demo'd. I don't know about the KOKA facility but that looked in worse shape than the home. Hopefully I can glean a bit more info this week-end. I was invited to come on board! Can't wait...even had to buy some real shoes! I figured my flip flops wouldn't make the grade! Poor feet haven't been in closed shoes in about 8 years! :eek: I am, however, looking forward to the blue t-shirt. Whatta fashion statement! :D

Wow! Just saw on the news, the 2 story frame is up, the roof is on and work has begun on KOKA.

[anapuni808]

I'm so jealous - not only will you get to meet the designers (my favorite is Michael) but you'll also get to be around The Bachelor, Andy, who will up there helping out tomorrow afternoon. Wow - what a way to spend a saturday!

[Random]

I wonder, when they say 7 days, if that includes only the construction and excludes the demolition and clearing?
Hey, the day the family moved out of the old house is the day I start counting.

[Karen]

Anapuni, Michael is my favorite, too. I'd dig being able to hug his neck someday and thank him for the smile that lights up my tv screen.

Sue, live it up, have a blast and when ya have time do post as much fun stuff as you can remember to type.

Looks like the weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend just like it was today, Uh it's after midnight, I do mean Friday.

[tutusue]

I'm so jealous - not only will you get to meet the designers (my favorite is Michael) but you'll also get to be around The Bachelor, Andy, who will up there helping out tomorrow afternoon. Wow - what a way to spend a saturday!
There's no guarantee I'll meet any of them. I have no idea what I'll be doing but there's a good chance I could end up in the production trailer altho' I'd much rather get my hands dirty! Hopefully I can do both days this week-end!
Hey, the day the family moved out of the old house is the day I start counting.
Ah, but film days and real time days are 2 different animals! ;)
[...]Sue, live it up, have a blast and when ya have time do post as much fun stuff as you can remember to type.[...]
Will do!

[Karen]

Sue, looking forward to hearing back from ya. huggz~

Cool to read at the Advertiser this AM that we don't have to go to Pier 38 for shuttle to the site but can catch it at the stadium, and parking and the shuttle are both free if we wanna. Next week if we have dynomite weather I may actually get inspired to do so. If they have potties there and I can carry some caffeine......:D :cool: maybe so!

[tutusue]

OOOOOOOOOOH!

MYYYYYYYYYYYY!

GAAAAAAAAWD!

UNBELIEVABLE!!

I'm stunned at how far along the house is. Amazing.

It's the "carpenter olympics" to quote one carpenter I sat next to on the bus!

I highly recommend that everyone who has the time hele on up to the site. It's absolutely incredible. I had to sign a confidentiality agreement which included taking no photos. I don't know if spectators have to sign anything but I did see some in the spectators viewing area clicking away!

I'm going to be very careful about what I post because I don't have a copy of the confidentiality agreement so will err on the side of caution based on what I remember reading.

The setting is spectacular. I think that back area of Kalihi Valley is my new favorite spot on Oahu. It's absolutely glorious with some fabulous older homes that I'd give my eye teeth for. The property the house and learning center sits on is large and beautifully situated. Whatta spot!

The area, in general, and the house, in particular, are teeming with humanity...hundreds of people. Sometimes it was difficult just to maneuver around. And the mud...OMG...the mud!!! I've never been on a production as large as this one. The logistics are overwhelming from both production and construction points of view. I'm truly amazed at what a well oiled machine it appears to be. The energy and aloha are palpable. It's as if the term "Hawaiian time" never existed! Everyone was busting okole, always with smiles.

Two of the volunteer ladies in my group are neighbors of the Akana's. I guess if ya can't beat 'em ya just join 'em!!! There were no complaints about the 1 week inconvenience. And, wow, are those people who live in the valley inconvenienced...not just the neighbors. Another volunteer just graduated from Moanalua HS. She kept muttering over and over about what a great grad present this day was and how it was the best day of her life so far!!! So cute!

One of the workman I talked with flew in from the BI. His boss paid the air fare for all his workers who wanted to volunteer. He was absolutely thrilled to be there.

The mess tent is open around the clock for crews. Food is always available and the workmen I rode the bus with were shocked that they could eat whenever they were hungry! A few of the guys around me finished eating and immediately fell asleep with their heads on the tables! Others fell asleep during the short bus ride back to pier 38. It truly is grueling work for those men and women and I didn't hear one complaint. Many sign up for 2 shifts in a row then come back the next day for more of the same! A paramedic team is on site around the clock. Each team takes a 24 hour shift.

Michael and Paul were there, working hard. I didn't see the others but that doesn't mean they weren't there.

The worst jobs during this week? Bus and big rig drivers! OMG! :eek: Both have to turn their vehicles around in a very small area; way too small to be able to make it in one turn. Back-up...forward turn...lather, rinse, repeat 'til it's accomplished.

So now I'm the proud owner of 2 t-shirts; one blue, one white! Quite a day. Well, not a full day as I have my own extreme makeover in progress with a next Friday move date! I do hope to get back one more time, tho'. The "vibes" are too good to miss! :)

[Karen]

Glad I landed here at my desk after dinner!

What a splendid report and I didn't expect a thing less. The smiles and caring you see from every volunteer you notice, and I mean on every one of their shows made me sure that Hawaii would deliver big on the aloha which is the very same thing in other states, but with different names....like in my home state of Texas, it's called "Southern Hospitality" and oh how we all pull together back home.

The lot does look really big in the pics I've seen, and believable that it can hold the new center and their new home.

I suspect that all volunteers have to sign the confidentiality agreement and not every spectator because volunteers get much closer to the buildings and their details, etc. THAT type of knowledge could indeed "steal their thunder" in the tv show not to air for months yet, so sounds fair and very necessary.


Thanks for letting us see the setting and experience through your eyes.

Now, even though we aren't personal friends I want you to know I'll dig hearing about your own makeover and move, no personal details of course but just how it's going, and how jazzed you are about your new decor, etc.

One of the best feelings in the world is waking up those first few mornings in a new home. It's sorta like we're dreaming, at first and I'll enjoy hearing any part of yours that you feel like sharing.

[tutusue]

[...]One of the best feelings in the world is waking up those first few mornings in a new home. It's sorta like we're dreaming, at first and I'll enjoy hearing any part of yours that you feel like sharing.
My "makeover" and move is an office! I've posted bits and pieces in other threads but there's really not much to tell 'cuz it's only 464 sq. ft! It's taking 7 weeks while 2 3000 sq. ft buildings are taking 7 days! :eek:

And, yes, all EMHE volunteers sign confidentiality agreements, liability waivers and TV releases. That said, when one segment was being taped, a group of us volunteers who were standing close by were asked to move! :D

[Creative-1]

I live 2 blocks from the site in Kalihi Valley and it's been
raining every day since they began. I'm sure that's going
to be a big part of their story.

What I hope doesn't make the air is all the grafitti in
the area. The valley seems covered with it. Our elected
officials should be as embarrassed by it as I am.

One thing I didn't expect is how the lights at the site
illuminate the whole valley at night. Trees block my
direct line of sight, or my bedroom would be lit at night.

Bob

[Karen]

Sue, aha, an office. Well, details of an office of course could take a long time, errr seven weeks? Bless you, then I guess it'll finally be finished next Friday and that's your day to celebrate.

Bob, very cool and thanks for posting about it, by cool I mean that you are that close and can observe the movement in and out of the area, but the graffiti, very uncool and it's all over this island. I live Central Oahu and it's on any wall they can find, bridge, etc and is painted over weekly.

Sure the officials should be embarassed and yet to catch the punks is not easy and painting over it is a constant job. I don't know if there are any solutions but I doubt it since every place I have lived has dealt with it. Seems Northern CA. hasn't found the solution, nor Austin & san antonio, Tx., either. :(

[tutusue]

I live 2 blocks from the site in Kalihi Valley[...]
I was hoping you'd chime in, Bob! How badly has it impacted you getting in and out of the valley?
Sue, aha, an office. Well, details of an office of course could take a long time, errr seven weeks? Bless you, then I guess it'll finally be finished next Friday and that's your day to celebrate.[...]
Nope, nowhere close to being done! Since I've given notice at my current office I HAVE to move out. Whatta mess. :(

[Karen]

Deadlines are good. :cool: They assure we'll meet our goal. Hang in there!

[Creative-1]

[QUOTE=tutusue;149301]I was hoping you'd chime in, Bob! How badly has it impacted you getting in and out of the valley?


Hi Sue,

Nice to hear you've been building homes in Kalihi
Valley! I could use some help 2 blocks away when
you have some time.

Traffic is usually not bad from the work Extreme
Makeover is doing. The problem is afternoons when
people are trying to get home.

When I was leaving, I went past a line that extended
15-20 blocks - at least half a mile.

I've had delays of 10-15 minutes. But it will only be a
week, and I'm happy to help a neighbor.

Plus, this is the best thing for Kalihi Valley since
Starbucks came to Kam Center.

Hey, did you know that Kam Center opened three
months before Ala Moana Center in 1959?

Bob

[tutusue]

Hi Sue,

Nice to hear you've been building homes in Kalihi
Valley! I could use some help 2 blocks away when
you have some time.
And I desperately need help in Waikiki! :eek:
[...]When I was leaving, I went past a line that extended
15-20 blocks - at least half a mile.[...]
You're a good neighbor, Bob!

The shuttle buses I was on were also caught in the line ups. The snarled traffic is usually caused by buses and big rigs trying to negotiate their turn arounds as it takes up both lanes.

Just heard on the news that the show is requesting more volunteers esp. framers, finish carpenters and tilers but is accepting everyone interested in helping with clean up. Go to Pier 38 (shuttles run regularly), sign up, be sure to wear long pants and close toed shoes that you don't mind getting caked with mud. And, it's been chilly back in the valley at night.

[Creative-1]

My wife and I walked up to the site tonight and
caught Ty doing a live video call to the Akana
family in Canada.

Hundreds of workers were there, standing around,
on the veranda of the place, on the roof, etc.,
cheering on cue.

Keali'i Reichel was there with several other musicians
and hula dancers. He sang 5 songs.

Ty had to try several times to pronounce Keali'i's
name right, (Ke-al-la-li, Ke-a-li-li) but when he finally
got his first name right, he said his last name wrong -
kinda like "Rachel."

Sam Choy walked past me, wearing a blue "Extreme
Makeover" shirt.

The house itself looks complete on the outside. It has
a wrap-around veranda and reminds me of old
plantation homes for lunas. A light green, I think,
with white trim.

The show, I've thought several times since it went on
the air, reminds me of the old Queen for a Day TV
show.

It was probably on the in late 1950s - so you'd have to
be 55+ to have seen it. They'd take some downtrodden
housewife, sit her on a throne, with a crown, and shower
her with gifts. "A new toaster!"

Times have changed, and budgets expanded, but the
premise is similar.

[Creative-1]

Here's a picture from Sunday night.

Bob

[tutusue]

Here's a picture from Sunday night.

Bob
Lucky you! You didn't have to sign a confidentiality agreement!!! Your photo shows the only change I'd make in the house. The lanai that holds the workers plus other workers on the roof isn't connected to the lanai on the far right frame of the photo where you see 3 workers. Personally I think it would've been nice to have a true wrap around lanai! I know...picky, picky!!!

[LikaNui]

The show, I've thought several times since it went on the air, reminds me of the old Queen for a Day TV show. It was probably on the in late 1950s - so you'd have to be 55+ to have seen it. Count me in for remembering the show, Bob. You're just six weeks older than I am. :o
There was also "This Is Your Life" amd "What's My Line?"... those were the "reality TV" programs, back in the day.
Heck, I used to enjoy watching "Bonanza" too, except that it reminded me that it was Sunday night and I had to go to school the next day. :(

And Tutu, thanks for your great report and thanks especially for volunteering to help the EMHE folks!

:)

[tutusue]

[...]Just heard on the news that the show is requesting more volunteers esp. framers, finish carpenters and tilers[...]
Forgot to mention that construction workers need to bring their own tools. Everyone willing to pitch in should bring their own gloves.
Count me in for remembering the show, Bob.[...]
I loved Queen for a Day!!! And, yes, LN...I remember those other shows, too!

I wonder if the Akana's mortgage(s?) will be paid off like mortgages have been in previous shows. A new car, maybe? A welcome home concert by their favorite local musicians...in addition to last night's appearance by Keali`i?

[zff]

I haven't been following this story since I don't watch the show, but as I was driving to work this morning, I saw a sign at the stadium that indicated where to park for Extreme Makeover.

I don't know if it's common knowledge that there's something going on at the stadium today, but in case it wasn't, I thought you guys and girls might want to know.

[tutusue]

[...]I don't know if it's common knowledge that there's something going on at the stadium today, but in case it wasn't, I thought you guys and girls might want to know.
Spectators (not volunteers) who'd like to visit the Kalihi site can park and catch a shuttle at the stadium.

[1stwahine]

What a great Thread to read!!:D

Mahalo

Auntie Lynn

[Karen]

Awesome reports, thanks y'all!

About the mortgage, Just this AM I heard a commercial on KSSK radio and it said that we can go to any uh...dang which bank was it..branch and contribute to help pay their mortgage off. It's in the works and told how much the bank is contributing, I think it said ten grand, so we've all gotta help make up the rest, and hopefully we can and will.

(Yep, I think.....it was Central Pacific bank....but not guaranteeing...I heard it in my fog of just having awakened.)

[tutusue]

Just returned from Kalihi Valley where Paige and Michael oversaw a really cute project that will be apparent in the reveal. Landscaping is at full throttle. The exteriors of both buildings appear to be complete. "Move in" starts tomorrow afternoon. Energy is still high. Mud has abated, fortunately! :)

[Karen]

Are any of you going out tomorrow to help welcome the family home?

[tutusue]

Are any of you going out tomorrow to help welcome the family home?
I'd love to but, no. Last I heard I'd need to get there pretty early to be included in the maximum number of people who will be allowed. I can't afford a lengthy time commitment tomorrow. Hopefully there will be some decent news coverage otherwise I'll have to wait for Sept. 23!

[Karen]

I hear ya and yet I hope they actually get the maximum allowed. So many islanders work and since it's a workday, no wonder Michael was on tv a few days ago inviting the whole island to come welcome them home.

It's one AM and if I don't crash and get some needed sleep I won't be having a morning at all. :D

[ploal5333]

Last night I heard that Sea Life Park threw a luau for some of the dignitaries, family members, and close friends. Also that the family returned 11:00p last night and stayed overnight at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

[shaveice]

wow! they just showed the home and the family's return on the channel 2 news. what an awesome home!!!

joe said that the family would be on their 10 o'clock news tomorrow night to talk about this experience...

[Random]

wow! they just showed the home and the family's return on the channel 2 news. what an awesome home!!!

joe said that the family would be on their 10 o'clock news tomorrow night to talk about this experience...
Really? KITV4 News didn't get first dib?

[shaveice]

Really? KITV4 News didn't get first dib?

hmmm. don't know anything about it; just reporting what joe said. maybe the family will be on the morning news or 6 o'clock news on kitv?

[Karen]

It is a beautiful home and the center is so nice looking! Wow, can't wait to be able to see inside.

Now that a home in our area has been done I hope we'll be able to learn how the taxes are handled. I don't mean the property tax, but the gift and income tax. I wonder if every state handles it as "hands off" as the federal govt. appears to. Don't mean to be a wet blanket but can't help but be curious. Have googled it and read that the show tries to work around any gift or income tax by "renting" the home for the week, and that there's come clause in taxes, some loophole but I admit I still don't understand it.

[DannyWilliams]

They showed the house ALREADY?!?!?
hmmmmmm isnt the idea of keeping da house its final look a mystery by watching the show?

Well I saw pics of them via THE ADVERTISER and indeed look niiiiiiiiiiiiicccccce


Soooo is the show goin to be airing SEPTEMBER 2007?

[anapuni808]

This is a very small island, very small town - it's not like we can't just drive past the property & see the house. It's even on a main bus route. Kind of hard to keep the look of the house a secret!

[Karen]

Danny, it is supposed to air on Sept. 23. They didn't let any pics of the inside of the house be shown, nor would they let the cameras audio for tv news get close enough to the family that we could hear their first reactions, words of thanks, etc. They clearly said they were saving all of that for the show, but nah, they can't keep it a secret, within reason.

[Lei Liko]

Danny, it is supposed to air on Sept. 23. They didn't let any pics of the inside of the house be shown, nor would they let the cameras audio for tv news get close enough to the family that we could hear their first reactions, words of thanks, etc. They clearly said they were saving all of that for the show, but nah, they can't keep it a secret, within reason.

We did get a view of the family's backsides as they did the "MOVE THAT BUS!" on KHON2 last night. :D

I had a feeling they weren't going to show the family's reaction, but it was nice to see the cameras get close enough to show Ty walking with the family outside the house.

[shaveice]

you can read and see more here:

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070614/NEWS01/706140364/1001

what an awesome experience for the selected family but also for the many who volunteered their time and skills!

[craigwatanabe]

You know with the valuation going wayyyyy up due to the lot improvements there, how will she afford the property tax assessment when it comes due?

I do understand that this was a "Gift" to her so there may be no taxable consequence, but even a gift has taxable value, so I'm not sure how to interpret this when it comes tax time both in income and property.

I hope she has a good accountant to sort thru this so she can keep this magnificant piece of property.

Timkona...any suggestions from a real estate expert?

[ploal5333]

I don't think they're THAT poor. She must be making between 50K-80K per year. Federal funds, she's the head. Can someone check into this?

[Karen]

Ploal, why do you think she may make that much? heck, the county prosecutor doesn't even make 100K here, which I think is shameful! anyway...ya got me curious. (she got a grant to buy the old building and land the center is on, but that's a one time gift, the grant is)

Craig, I want to understand how the families do and what they are faced with long after the bus leaves, too. I googled it over a year ago, time to do so again, as there's probably more sites that talk of it by people kin to or related in some way to some winning families, with four seasons being completed.

I did find talk of that "renting" the family house while it's rebuilt cuz there's some clause that when you rent.....any improvements aren't considered a gift cuz of some loophole, and then other sites insinuated that the IRS just hasn't gone after the few families cuz of their high-profile and it, the IRS wanting us all to not hate them so much, etc, I kid you not. Hmm.....I'm gonna google it again and read up on it, and surely as time passes, if this family has tax problems which we pray not, but this is a small island and I bet word will get out and we'll finally find out if the state income tax people go after them, etc. It is a huge gift and taxable when we're given huge things like this.

Leiliko, I saw it too and it was so precious! Just seeing how they reacted from afar, oh what a precious site and sept will rock, for seeing and hearing that first reaction, and the inside of the house, etc and how they acted when first seeing it all. Wow~

PS...editing this in....the Honolulu Advertiser did explain that they didn't even sleep in the house last night and are moving in more clothes, etc today, but that this precious soul, the Mom said that it's too pretty to sleep in, it's like a hotel. she must feel she is dreaming, and God bless her and her family to handle this all fine...as the mos. pass. In fact, if there's one last pull for the community to give money to help them through some one-time tax bill and I don't mean property, but the gift/income thing.......let's just get it announced and all of us give five bucks or whatever.

A ton of people doing just a little bit can be huge. I'd be more than glad to, if needed.

[anapuni808]

I don't think they're THAT poor. She must be making between 50K-80K per year. Federal funds, she's the head. Can someone check into this?

Where do you come up with this? She started Keiki o ka Aina with her food stamps!!! You obviously don't know the non-profit world in Hawaii - nobody who works in this field gets rich! and if they were making $$$, I'm sure they would have spent some of it to fix their old house!

Shame on you.

[ploal5333]

Momi comes from a comfortable middle-class background. She's not your typical foodstamp mama. But credit to her for giving back to the community, which is more than I do. Sorry if my previous comments offended anyone.

[Random]

PS...editing this in....the Honolulu Advertiser did explain that they didn't even sleep in the house last night and are moving in more clothes, etc today, but that this precious soul, the Mom said that it's too pretty to sleep in, it's like a hotel. she must feel she is dreaming, and God bless her and her family to handle this all fine...as the mos. pass. In fact, if there's one last pull for the community to give money to help them through some one-time tax bill and I don't mean property, but the gift/income thing.......let's just get it announced and all of us give five bucks or whatever.
Too pretty to sleep in?

Mo' better I go over and break in their bed for them. :D

[anapuni808]

Momi comes from a comfortable middle-class background. She's not your typical foodstamp mama. But credit to her for giving back to the community, which is more than I do. Sorry if my previous comments offended anyone.

and just what exactly is a "typical foodstamp mama"? I come from a comfortable, middle-class background also. Today, I had to empty out my laundry quarters in order to buy food. So let's not generalize please.

By the way, when you include the word "if" in your apology - it's considered a "conditional" apology. In other words, IF your comments offended that's an "oops". IF they didn't then you don't really give a rip. It's nothing more than a CYA move and doesn't really mean anything. I'm sure that's not what you really intended with your very thoughful apology.

This whole thing is way off thread and I do apologize for derailing what should be a happy conversation with all of us spending our time wishing the Akana family well in their new home. and wishing them continued success with the assistance they provide to families in the local community. Sometimes good deeds do bring great rewards as we have just witnessed this past 10 days.

[Karen]

Anapuni, I don't believe you derailed this thread, nor did I. We're all reading the news stories online and watching it on tv, hearing about it on radio and then commenting on and reacting to what media is reporting. They are telling us things like that this precious family even shops for their clothes at used clothing shops, etc. Of course it is apropos for me to wonder how they'll deal with the tax issue, in other words....just what does come for them next, from our state tax and fed. tax people?

This does matter and it may be one last time we can all help them. If the taxes are billed and they are shocked and in a terrible predicament I think all of us that can spare a buck or a few may want to and be willing to help them over this one last hurdle. Not out of line to be discussing this.

Random, LOL~

[craigwatanabe]

I didn't want to derail this thread either, but when you get a massive gift like that, you gotta expect taxable ramifications (if any). Sometimes when a good deed like that is done to unsuspecting recipients, the support evaporates when the media packs up and leaves, leaving the proud giftee with a huge tax burden and a bigger problem than before. She needs a good CPA to sift thru all this.

[Leo Lakio]

She started Keiki o ka Aina with her food stamps!!! Is that the same school that got a DOE grant (http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2003/10/06/daily19.html) a few years back? First the school benefits, then the family - the universe has been smiling on them in recent years.

[Karen]

She didn't "start the school" with her food stamps, but she did, being an earthly angel she actually bought snacks for the kids with some of her food stamps. I think that was reported to show us just how hugely she cares for others, with her heart and actions, and it really does speak volumes.

Craig, I respect that none of us here want to "derail" a thread cuz we all really care and are very jazzed for this wonderful family. Surely on this small island and the way the news loves to report things, and we all here have our various connections that we can learn of any tax problem they may have, and then pour out aloha like hasn't been seen since the last large need. Most of us just need to know about such a need, to want to jump in and we do.

Any state and federal tax will be a ONE time charge, so we can all, if needed jump in and help them this one last big way, in my opinion. I can't imagine this money hungry machine called the tax dept. not going after its share.

[1stwahine]

Antonio and I took a drive this morning to pick-up a friend up there in Kalihi Valley.heheheh Near where the homes are. OMG!!! Oka!!! Beautiful!! :D No traffic either. I took my time driving and looking.

Auntie Lynn

btw: I Pua but if need be I would donate to help with any taxes for this Special Lady and her Ohana. ;)

[tutusue]

You know with the valuation going wayyyyy up due to the lot improvements there, how will she afford the property tax assessment when it comes due?

I do understand that this was a "Gift" to her so there may be no taxable consequence, but even a gift has taxable value, so I'm not sure how to interpret this when it comes tax time both in income and property.[...]
I don't know the answer to either the gift tax or the property tax questions. I've been told one tv show doesn't want "her" (;)) guests or audience taxed so the show has arranged to pay the one time gift taxes.

Property taxes are another animal as they're annual. And, yes, that's quite a chunk of valuable property now. I'm sure I'll be showing my ignorance on this subject but I wonder if the property can somehow be incorporated into the non-profit.

EMHE seems to be enough of a well oiled machine that I'd guess they arrange for or suggest financial counseling up front. All the families this show helps are in need. I can't imagine they wouldn't find a soft pillow for them to land on. What's the use of huge improvements only to have the families not be able to afford to keep them?

[ploal5333]

My google results re salaries. I don't know how many individuals this represents, but I think it's rather interesting:

http://204.203.220.33/EINS/990327534/990327534_2004_024D6967.PDF

And btw anapuni808, the reason I said 'if I offended anyone' is because not all were offended. There are some who are willing to have open minds.

Regardless of what you believe I feel, I am happy for them. I just don't like the fact that the media is painting them as poor when it simply may not be the case.

[Karen]

Sue, this can get touchy in a technical, legal sense cuz their privately owned home is on the same land with the center which is non-profit. maybe they will divide the land from the house, but oh my they do have some legal rangling to make, and by "they" I mean the tax assessers. Hmmmm, however, no way they can legally make the private house part of the non-profit tax bill unless the owners put in writing that the charity owns the house. Maybe...that is the way to go...hmmm......like a preacher living in a parsonage the church owns? I wonder.....

[tutusue]

My google results re salaries. I don't know how many individuals this represents, but I think it's rather interesting:

http://204.203.220.33/EINS/990327534/990327534_2004_024D6967.PDF[...]
In the link above, check out pages 7 and 14 (pdf, not actual). I don't see Momi's name mentioned...or I somehow missed it!

[tutusue]

Sue, this can get touchy in a technical, legal sense cuz their privately owned home is on the same land with the center which is non-profit. maybe they will divide the land from the house, but oh my they do have some legal rangling to make, and by "they" I mean the tax assessers. Hmmmm, however, no way they can legally make the private house part of the non-profit tax bill unless the owners put in writing that the charity owns the house. Maybe...that is the way to go...hmmm......like a preacher living in a parsonage the church owns? I wonder.....
I learned this morning that the Akana's old house is being turned into transitional housing for women getting out of prison. Another benevolent cause! But, isn't this the house where the back part was severely damaged by the 2004 flood? And, I thought their old house was demolished to make way for the new house! Maybe the demolition I saw was the old KOKA house that was purchased with the grant awhile back?

So, the new house was built on the land purchased by KOKA and where the old KOKA facility resided which means it's on KOKA land. Maybe KOKA does, indeed, own the house...which could/would be a tax benefit.

I believe the Akana's application video included their flood damaged home. I wonder if it was the show's idea to build a new house without demo'ing the old one. It seems to me that turning the old home, owned by the Akanas, iirc, into a charitable cause will have tax benefits. And, if KOKA owns the new house, that, too, will have tax benefits for the Akanas.

Momi probably has excellent non-profit skills at this point and has figured out all of the property related issues. I'm a dunce on those matters!

Gooooooo Momi!!!

[Karen]

Yes, I read online a few days ago or saw in KITV video that the old house will be transitional housing for women getting out of prison, or did they say jail? or both? anyway....is it safe for anything like that? or can funds from the charity be used to improve that bad portion of the house? not sure....hopefully, though.

Don't know if they really own this house, but it's being worded as if they do, and yes it's on the charity land and for it to be a huge gift, reward to them for doing so much, sure it's in their name but we don't know for sure. If they put it in the charity's name that would prevent any gift tax state and fed. level, but....they had paid on a mortgage and if it isn't in their name, the new house....they then would be losing, giving away so much.

We may never know all of the answers unless they do get hit by a huge tax bill, then we probably will hear about it and be able to help. Again, some of these things are public information, so we may find out.

Momi is a precious soul and I bet there are people that love her accordingly and are looking out for her, and if there is one more huge thing the community can do, we'll probably hear about it by next April.

God bless her and Go Momi! indeed.

[Karen]

I remember reading the address of the property online. Anyone that recalls it, 3030 Kalihi Valley, road? or what was it.....can put that in and it should come up here. I got this link from The Advertiser. There's no invasion of privacy here, as this is public info and we all can look up any addy we wish, not just our own.



http://www.honolulupropertytax.com/AddressSearch.asp?mnu=PSearch&submnu=Address&lftmnu=&flag=&nolistmanager=&cookieCheck=0&Number=&Street=Kalihi+Valley+Road&Suffix=&Direction=&Submit=Search

[dick]

3030 Kalihi St.

Info regarding a Theresa Durand, of 3030 Kalihi St., can be found on page 16 of that PDF.

As for the tax site, search 3030 Kalihi. Leave off St or Street.

[anapuni808]

All of you have taken "niele" to a whole new level! I'm finding the turn this discussion has taken to be very intrusive and frankly disgusting. It's none of my business and I'm removing myself from any more of this thread. There are times when we all need to put moral brakes on ourselves and realize that just because we CAN do something, it doesn't mean we SHOULD.

The Akana's are not some Hollywood celebrities - they are a regular family who got a great gift. Leave them alone to enjoy it. Show some decorum if nothing else.

[ploal5333]

The more I think about it, ABC used Hawaii. The aloha spirit prevailed and what did it cost ABC to overhaul the old homestead & school? Well, according to the papers, material, labor, food, designer, etc, were all donated. The way i see it ABC paid for the entire trip of their crew of 12. What else???

Come September the ratings will be high, 2-hr special featuring Hawaii, a good-feel story, and ABC reaps the rewards at little expense. Now that's showbiz!

[Karen]

Anapuni, I know my conscience is clear because I have wronged no one, but discussed things I have read in the local media, and heard on my tv at home.

I do trust you'll be contacting the Advertiser, Bulletin and especially KITV next, to tell them how wrong their level of "niele" has been. shame on them for bringing this all to our attention, and on us for caring so much!

I beg to differ, as this family is now celebrity status on our island. What comes with it is the attention they have gotten and are getting, and all of it loving and caring, from what I've encountered.

Dick, it occurred to me that the tax assessers maybe haven't even been to the house and gotten it into the online system yet. May not even come up yet for this reason.

[tutusue]

The more I think about it, ABC used Hawaii. The aloha spirit prevailed and what did it cost ABC to overhaul the old homestead & school? Well, according to the papers, material, labor, food, designer, etc, were all donated. The way i see it ABC paid for the entire trip of their crew of 12. What else???
The 'round-the-clock paramedics were paid! We might want to watch the credits of the Hawaii show to see if there is any mention of an airline and hotel. If so, then those were comped also. I wonder if the HVCB kicked in any money.
Come September the ratings will be high, 2-hr special featuring Hawaii, a good-feel story, and ABC reaps the rewards at little expense. Now that's showbiz!
Hawaii will also reap the rewards via the 2 hour exposure. That might be 2 hours of free advertising for Hawaii, altho' as I questioned above, Hawaii may have kicked in some money. ABC didn't "use" Hawaii. This segment is, most likely, a win-win for both the network and the State.

[dick]

Dick, it occurred to me that the tax assessers maybe haven't even been to the house and gotten it into the online system yet. May not even come up yet for this reason.

If you enter 3030 Kalihi (don't include St, or Street) into the search, the 2006 records for the residence are found.

[Lei Liko]

...I beg to differ, as this family is now celebrity status on our island. What comes with it is the attention they have gotten and are getting, and all of it loving and caring, from what I've encountered.

I have to agree with this.

The family willingly took the risk of putting themselves in the spotlight as soon as they submitted their video to ABC. It comes with the territory.

How unfortunate that the only negativity I've encountered about this whole thing was found in this thread. :rolleyes:

[Karen]

Front Page news Hononlulu Advertiser, today...


http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/NEWS01/707020351/1001

[glossyp]

Front Page news Hononlulu Advertiser, today...


http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/NEWS01/707020351/1001

Ian Lind wrote about this last Saturday on his blog (http://ilind.net/2007/06/30/extreme-makeover-home-built-on-land-purchased-with-a-state-grant-to-a-nonprofit-agency/).

[scrivener]

They can say what they want about it not being "need-based," but I must say this lets the wind out of my sails. I was planning to watch the episode; now I think I'll do something else. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense for me to feel this way -- the children got their space and this family's project is a worth cause -- but it's how I feel. I just don't see how the big reveal at the end could be a real chicken-skin moment anymore.

[LikaNui]

They can say what they want about it not being "need-based," but I must say this lets the wind out of my sails. Agreed. When we have so very many people who are truly in need, I just can't come up with a whole lot of empathy for a couple who make a quarter-million dollars a year.
I'll likely watch the episode, just to see how EMHE treats Hawai`i, though.
And this all makes me wonder how many other episodes of EMHE have featured wealthy people, or if the situation here is going to cause a major expose huhu in the national media.

[Karen]

The Advertiser piece did say that another couple that has been featured on the show, given a home and each of their kids given college educations, etc....were found to own another property, an investment property worth 200K, if i recall, which may be a lot more house in their state than that would be here.

Today's newspaper piece also answers something else we wondered about here, and it was when we were discussing possible tax implications. We now know that they don't outright own the house. The tv show people drew up a lease for them, keeping the details of the lease private but the charity owns the house. Maybe it's a fifty year lease or something. I wonder.....knowing the investigation of the Advertiser, we'll probably eventually know even that, being it's a charity, and govt. funds go to it, etc. I can say that it is fair if and when we do, in this case.

[glossyp]

I wish they (the show) had been more up front about what was happening, that these people were not in financial distress and that this was an acknowledgement of service Mrs. Akana has given to the community and the years of struggle. The whole show and process seems a bit suspect now.

[Frankie's Market]

Today's newspaper piece also answers something else we wondered about here, and it was when we were discussing possible tax implications. We now know that they don't outright own the house. The tv show people drew up a lease for them, keeping the details of the lease private but the charity owns the house. Maybe it's a fifty year lease or something.

The Advertiser's article raises a lot of red flags that go way beyond the ethical issues of how "needy" the Akana family actually was.

As Ian Lind points out in his website, the non-profit organization (Keiki O Ka 'Aina) has several staff members who are also on the board of directors, not the least of which is Momi Akana, who also holds the title of executive director. Another board member who also functions as an administrator is Jack Randall, who happens to be married to Momi's mother. Hmmmm.

As if the administrative and fiduciary interlocking wasn't bad enough, there also appears to be a liberal commingling of funds going back and forth between Momi Akana and her non-profit organization. Besides the six-figure salary and benefits she receives from her non-profit org., the Advertiser reports that KOKA also paid Akana $22,000 in annual rent for use of the top floor in her old house. Conversely, Momi Akana and her family is occupying and leasing the new house, which is owned by KOKA. For how much, we don't know because KOKA staff member Kanoe Nanoe is claiming that Extreme Makeover wanted to keep terms of the lease agreement confidential. Very strange.

And that's not all, of course. Now that Akana has announced plans to turn her old house into a transitional center for women getting out of prison, does she plan to extract even more rent money from her non-profit organization for use of the entire house?

There's a lot of questions here. And I'm sure the IRS is just as anxious as anyone else for the answers.

[Karen]

Sigh....can't deny it's sounding close to an investigation being needed. I think you can trust the state of Hawaii, taxation pitbulls to go through this thoroughly, and from what we're told in the Advertiser article, it's sounding fitting and proper. dangit~

[tutusue]

I was given a "tip" awhile back about Momi's income. By that time I'd already perused KOKA info and saw the salary but the name attached to it wasn't familiar to me. As it turned out, it was Momi's previously married, legal name. Still, the "Pollyanna" in me hopes that Momi's good deeds while she was a welfare mom are being repaid now. IOW, Karma in action!!! I'm more interested to see how the show is scripted to depict the Akanas. Since Momi's husband is a VP at FHB, it would be in really poor taste for the show to play up any reference to welfare without dates or to depict them as continuing to be low income. And, will the show reference Mr. Akana's position? Time will tell!

As mentioned above, I sincerely hope that the decision to bless the Akanas with a new home and KOKA facility is karmicly based and that this situation can withstand any investigation that might take place.

[Karen]

Amen, Sue! I hope so, too. I hope things aren't peculiar as they sound, and most of all that this precious lady that I believe DID share some of her food stamp food with others, is being blessed and that there's no real bummers up the road for them. Karma, Law of Reciprocity...it has more than one name and I believe strongly in "it."

[ploal5333]

I don't get it. How is someone collecting welfare, using public tax money to establish a center for whatever, giving back to the community??? I can see Oprah or professional athletes who use their own salaries to start non-profits as giving back, but the prior? I don't see it.

To top it off, after lobbying for public funds from Washington and the State Legislature, and paying yourself a good salary in excess of $120,000, which includes $1,900/mo for office space in a rundown house which, btw, would buy you monthly rent for an ENTIRE luxury 1-bdr condo in Kakaako, you still say she's giving back to the community? GIVE ME A BREAK! :mad:

[Frankie's Market]

I think this issue is being obfuscated by the media. The Advertiser headlines trumpets, 'Makeover' home recipient earns $100K. Thing is, while that notion does not set well with some people, there is nothing illegal as far as that particular matter is concerned. If the Extreme Makeover producers saw fit to build a new home for the Akanas, despite their combined salaries being in the neighborhood of a quarter mil, fine. That's their business and I have no problem with that.

Ian Lind's headline puts the focus on the real controversy. “Extreme Makeover” home built on land purchased with state grant to a nonprofit agency. This is where the real problem is, folks. The new house is built on land owned by Akana's non-profit agency. In turn, it was the state legislature that provided $2 million in funds to make that particular land purchase in Kalihi possible. The purchase was made in December of '06. Now,... did KOKA's grant proposal state that a residential home would be built on the land? If not, there could be trouble if it's considered misappropriation of funds.

What compounds the problem is the fact that KOKA is leasing out the new house to its executive director, Momi Akana. Who made this decision, KOKA's board of directors? Well, Momi herself is a board member, as well as her step-father. Yikes! And finally, what are the lease terms? That information is confidential, at the show's request. Or say claims KOKA's spokesperson. Double yikes!

That last point troubles me. How much in rent will Akana be paying to KOKA? Keep in mind that she collected more than $22,000 in annual rent from KOKA for the upstairs use of her old house, valued at $397,000. With that in mind, what would be an appropriate rent for Akana's family to entirely occupy the new house, valued at over $600,000? Hmmm, maybe there is a reason why this information is being kept under wraps.

Now, the issue has nothing to do with how nice a person Momi Akana is, or how deserving she and her family may be for helping others. I'm good friends with David Nakada, who's been executive director of the Boys & Girls Club in Hawaii for almost 30 years now. He's done a lot for the youth in the community and he's been the recipient of many awards. But as much good as he's done, David can't furnish some rooms in the Spalding Clubhouse and start using it as his own personal appartment. Neither can he (nor would he) use B&G Club vans to do his personal errands. Years of service and dedication simply does not give anyone the license to personally use and misappopriate the funds/assets of a non-profit entity. He told me that as the head of a non-profit agency, there shouldn't be any exceptions to this because once you start doing it, it can be hard to stop. You begin to rationalize, and after awhile, even someone who starts out with the sincerest of intentions begin to make unwise and selfish decisions.

Momi Akana may have helped over 9,000 families over the last decade or so. And for that, she should certainly be applauded and acknowledged. But her compensation should be her salary/benefits (preferably determined by board members who are well-respected in the community and are NOT staff members or clients of KOKA). That's pretty much it. When you start compensating an exec with additional things involving assets/properties that belong to the non-profit entity, you're treading a slippery slope. Unfortunately, I believe such a misstep was taken when KOKA's board allowed Extreme Makeover to build a residential house on their land. If Momi Akana wished for a new home for her family's use, it should have been done on her own land, not her agency's. But an unwise choice was made and as a result, there may be consequences that will have to be dealt with.

[dick]

Wasn't this referred to as "niele" earlier?

Interestingly enough, the tax info and all that jazz that was "broken" on this thread weeks ago...

... and now it's "news."

[Karen]

Dick, Hawaiithreads rockin it yet again.

This thread was accused of taking "niele" which is good, too far. :rolleyes:

[ploal5333]

Seems NY had a similar controversial situation where ABC chose only the facts they wished to disclose and the local newspaper who investigated and reported the whole story after the build came under fire:

http://blogs.timesunion.com/editors/?p=639

[acousticlady]

Seems NY had a similar controversial situation where ABC chose only the facts they wished to disclose and the local newspaper who investigated and reported the whole story after the build came under fire:

http://blogs.timesunion.com/editors/?p=639

This occurred in my "other" neighborhood. I have to say, with all the hoopla this show created in NY, I have kind of ignored this thread. I have lost all interest in the show due to what happened in NY. For some reason, I happened to look at the thread this morning and saw the NY incident referenced. This made me go back and read what has been said about the HI show. Seems to me that here in HI, the issues are a little more serious. In NY, the issue was how "good" or "bad" the receipiant was. She apparently had a previous drug problem and her ex (maybe out of jealousy) made sure the public knew it. However, she has since cleaned up her act and has taken in children with AIDS. I don't believe there was any issue with how much she made or who owned the land.

I think that any story (for this show or any other reason) will always have another side. Does anyone remember Paul Harvey's old radio show "The Rest of the Story"?

[LikaNui]

Mark Platte, the Editor of the Honolulu Advertiser, had a very interesting editorial at this link (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jul/08/op/FP707080332.html) in yesterday's paper about why the paper ran stories on the salary info. Good reading.

[scrivener]

Reporters Rick Daysog and Kim Fassler did an admirable job and played it straight down the middle.
I have to say I agree with this assessment. "Right down the middle" is exactly the way I'd describe the write-ups. And yes, good piece.

[Karen]

Thanks for posting the links to these other articles. Y'all rock~

[Frankie's Market]

I have to say I agree with this assessment. "Right down the middle" is exactly the way I'd describe the write-ups. And yes, good piece.

Yep. Gotta give kudos to the Advertiser for publicizing a story that has been downplayed, if not hushed up, by our other media outlets.

KITV, being an ABC affiliate, well, I can understand the position their news dept. is in. But as Ian Lind pointed out in his website a few days ago, a possible conflict could also exist in the realm of KHON, as Keiki O Ka Aina is a charitable partner with KHON's Lokahi Giving Project.

http://www.khon2.com/news/local/6284627.html

So the question is, will this partnership (started a few months before the Extreme Makeover fiasco) affect KHON's handling of this news story?

[ploal5333]

Just finished watching my first ever episode of EMHE. Knowing what we all know now, I just can't imagine how ABC will present the application video and the interviews with the Akanas. Deception and lies. Makes me wonder how much past history will be disclosed.

Definitely no tears will be shed by many viewers. In fact I can just hear it now: 'yeah right!' :mad:

[tutusue]

I'm inclined to not condemn EMHE 'til I watch the Hawaii episode and see how the family is presented.

Tonight's episode was very touching. It would be interesting to know if there were any internet discussions, particularly in Nebraska, dishing it up about this family when it first aired. I'm too lazy to search! :rolleyes:

[Karen]

Uh oh......this morning's feature about Home Makeover and it being in the Attorney General's hands...


http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/NEWS01/709230360/1001

[DannyWilliams]

Well the show according to the Advertiser is airing Sunday September 30th!

I kinda lost touch w/ the show but being its Hawaii based I will make this one exceptional to watch. :D

[tutusue]

Well the show according to the Advertiser is airing Sunday September 30th![...]
The date change is also reflected on the show's web page.

[Karen]

Tye did some charity & promo events and it shows some beautiful shots of the island, so I bet we'll have dinner in front of the thing, or at least DVR and be sure not to miss it. heck, I've got to see them shopping in our local Sears. :D

[Frankie's Market]

Uh oh......this morning's feature about Home Makeover and it being in the Attorney General's hands...


http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070923/NEWS01/709230360/1001


Yes, and some of the online comments to that story are not so pleasant.

[Karen]

Not so pleasant? Sometimes reality just sux and I hope the newspapers is helping bring light to anything that may need it. The attorney general's office indicated that it was the Advertiser first covering the story that got them on this. I thought...."wow, too cool."

[infinitypro]

Yes, and some of the online comments to that story are not so pleasant.

Frankie's Market, you're being kind with describing the comments as being "not so pleasant." But, did you google? I did. Not for me to speculate or investigate, but I was just curious as to what I'd find after clicking.

[Frankie's Market]

Frankie's Market, you're being kind with describing the comments as being "not so pleasant." But, did you google? I did. Not for me to speculate or investigate, but I was just curious as to what I'd find after clicking.

Sooo, does my post qualify for the HT Understatement of the Year award? :D

I don't want to comment on Momi Akana's personal life. I can only talk about what I do know, which is my concern re: a residential house being built on land that was purchased with a govt. grant. Land that was intended to be used for Akana's non-profit organization and not for her family's private benefit. The state AG's investigation into the lease agreement for the new house might only be the tip of the iceberg. Who's to say that there won't be an investigation at the federal level? Red flags abound in this situation. Momi Akana and her step father working in both an administrative function and board of director? Not good! I hope they get all these problems straightened out, or KOKA could very easily lost its non-profit status.

[DannyWilliams]

K-den folks da show was on tonite......

Thoughts?


Nice to see Hawaii profiled on a major network show.
The begining dives right into what Hawaii is all about, tropical setting, seeing Ty absorbing the hawaiian life as he introduces the show....

Was SUPRISED to see MUFI helpin out and was the Dick Allgire I saw? He is the newscaster when Ty was freaking out that they were NOT gonna make the deadline. And nice to see Keali'i drop by. Was Momi happy to see him or sad that she was not there in person?

who knows

The end result I thought looked AWESOME IMO

[Frankie's Market]

Was SUPRISED to see MUFI helpin out

Frankly speaking, I would have been most surprised if Mayor Mufi was NOT to be seen on the show. What ambitious politician would not have relished that kind of opportunity for free publicity on national TV? Especially since he played a part in fast-tracking EM's permit applications.

[LikaNui]

I saw the first 15 minutes (and already went through a few Kleenex) then got a call that a car had driven through an elderly neighbor's fence and lanai. Went over to help, and got back in time to see the last 15 minutes (and went through more Kleenex). The two places looked awesome!
Anybody know if it's going to get aired again?
:o

[tutusue]

[...]Anybody know if it's going to get aired again?
:o
Most (don't know about all) of the episodes go into reruns. Plus one of the cable stations picked up reruns. Dunno if the 2 hour format will get in the way, tho'.

I missed the first 70 minutes...damn! I let all my work calls go to voice mail but like you, LikaNui, something more important than watching the show came up. Regardless, it was fun to see the areas where I actually stood and what they looked like upon completion. Amazing! It was also fun seeing the segments I watched being taped such as Paul building the volcano headboard and the KOKA families painting the wood plumeria blossoms.

[alohacandy]

My daughter and I watched most of the show and were teary eyed many times.....it was very touching and well done. Anything negative that I had read about the Momi just melted away and made me see the positive of what she has done for the community. The only person on the show that I know personally was Momi's sister who was shown shopping at Sears for baby clothes (very blonde and non Hawaiian looking woman). The show really showcased the aloha spirit at it's best.

[DannyWilliams]

IF ya missed the show I believe you can watch them ONLINE on the net thru ABC's Website. A show recently aired appears the next day.

[Leo Lakio]

I was out, but taped it all - haven't watched it yet, however.

[Lei Liko]

IF ya missed the show I believe you can watch them ONLINE on the net thru ABC's Website. A show recently aired appears the next day.

I checked, and unfortunately, EMHE is not on the list of Full Episodes on abc.com .

IIRC, they'll most likely have encore presentations later on in the season and again when the show's on hiatus.

[LikaNui]

I let all my work calls go to voice mail but like you, LikaNui, something more important than watching the show came up. Whatever it was, I hope everything's okay, Tutu. (And I'm posting a photo below of the car crash last night that took me away from the show.)

Anything negative that I had read about the Momi just melted away and made me see the positive of what she has done for the community. I agree 100%. I had some concerns before, but they're gone now.

IF ya missed the show I believe you can watch them ONLINE on the net thru ABC's Website. A show recently aired appears the next day. Thanks for that info!

And here's the crash, with the car and showing a 10' length of the fence knocked it down before stopping mere feet from the house:

[lml]

I thought it was a very nice episode and showcased the aloha spirit really well. I just wish Ty would have learned to say Keiki O Ka 'Aina correctly. He tried though.

[Karen]

Missed the first half hour since it usually comes on at 7PM but came on at 6, and didn't pay attention to as much of it as I would've liked because we had guests and a ton of chatter. I hope you are right and that it does show online. I want to see the start, see inside their old house and not just a glance and mostly see the kids talk of what their interests are. That's one of the sweetest parts of the show, IMO.

[Lei Liko]

I thought it was a very nice episode and showcased the aloha spirit really well. I just wish Ty would have learned to say Keiki O Ka 'Aina correctly. He tried though.

He did try, and it was a good effort.

Not only that, but I noticed the typo in Momi's daughter's name. I'm certain her name is Ku`ulei, not Kuolei, as displayed on the show. :mad:

[DannyWilliams]

I checked, and unfortunately, EMHE is not on the list of Full Episodes on abc.com .

IIRC, they'll most likely have encore presentations later on in the season and again when the show's on hiatus.


Hmmmm I just took a look and its there.
I was taken back by the image used. When I clicked on the 9/30 time date stamp and synopsis of "Akana Family" is prompted.

[Lei Liko]

Hmmmm I just took a look and its there.
I was taken back by the image used. When I clicked on the 9/30 time date stamp and synopsis of "Akana Family" is prompted.

Yup! I stand corrected. I visited the site last night and I'm 100% sure that it wasn't there. Maybe the just had to wait a day to put the link up. :)

[LocalMotion]

After me and some friends watched, i told them about the controversy about how much money she made, etc.. and my friends said they don't care if she made $500,000/yr, you have pro athletes entertaining us for millions, and you have a lady that started a organization that touches so many lives and strives to make life better for people. she's contributing to society in ways only some of us wish we could.