2012 Hawaii Blitz Build Reminder
February 4, 2012The 2012 Blitz Build in Kona Hawaii is just over 7 months away! We already have many people registered but we need more support to help make this a successful build. For those of you who have already registered, Thank You!
This is our 15th anniversary build and with your help we can make a big difference in providing decent affordable housing for the residents of Kona. Because of the high costs of living, 15% of Hawaiians live below the poverty level. This Blitz Build along with Habitat for Humanity, West Hawaii will provide much needed relief to these people as well as raise the awareness of Habitat for Humanity, West Hawaii’s efforts in the local community.
The dates for the build are Wed Sept 12th - Fri Sept 21st with a formal Hawaiian blessing of the worksite on Wednesday, September 12th and the formal dedication on the morning of Saturday, September 22nd.
As in past years, we will require a non-refundable $70 registration fee for each participant. This will be applied to a portion of your hotel expense, an event T-Shirt, the BHB annual meeting, and some administrative costs. Registrations will again be handled electronically through our Web site. This will be the only way to register for this build. Please use your existing username to log into the web site. If you do not remember your password, there is a Forgot Password link. Remember, you must specifically register for the Hawaii build in order to have a guaranteed spot at the build.
We would like your registration for the build completed by April 1st, 2012. Space may be limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. You are not registered until we have received your registration fees.
Your early registration is key to this effort and greatly appreciated!
Registration Note - Although during registration we will ask you for your lodging and participation days, please know that you may update your registration online at any time prior to paying for lodging. Lodging payments will be due in the summer of 2012.
Travel Deals - We are posting airline deals on our website and Facebook page to share with the group. If you come across a great airfare deal, please post it on our Facebook page or let us know so we can share it with others.
Blitz Build Logo Contest – Habitat for Humanity, West Hawaii is holding a contest to help design the 2012 Blitz Build logo and a chance to win a $100 shopping spree. Visit their website for more details. Entries are due by Feb 14th.
We can't wait to see you in September! Register Now!
Blitz Home Builders Hawaii Build Page
-BHB Planning Committee
Hawaii Blitz Build Registration is Open!
December 9, 2011Hello Blitz Home Builders,
It’s official, registration for the 15th Annual Blitz Build in 2012 has opened! The build will be in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii!
The West Hawaii Habitat for Humanity affiliate is very excited to host the Blitz Home Builders coming to the Big Island of Hawaii and help them address the need for decent affordable housing for their native Hawaiians. This is amidst a community that flourishes on tourism. Our goal is to build 5 houses with them, meeting that goal will be achieved with both Blitz Home Builders and local volunteers.
The dates for the build are Wednesday, September 12th through Friday, September 21st with a formal Hawaiian blessing of the worksite on Wednesday, September 12th and the formal dedication on the morning of Saturday, September 22nd. Sunday the 16th will be a day off. Wednesday the 12th will also be a pre-build day for Crew and House Leads.
We are asking all volunteers to attend the important pre-build Hawaiian blessing on Wednesday, September 12th to experience this special event that is an integral part of the overall build for the West Hawaii Habitat affiliate and local residents. There will also be an annual BHB meeting and event on the evening of Wednesday September 19th.
The Kailua-Kona airport is served by major carriers with direct flights from the mainland by some carriers. There are many flights also routed through Honolulu, Oahu, the main hub for the Hawaiian islands. Although volunteers are responsible for their transportation to the build site, BHB is looking into opportunities for airlines savings available to the group. We will send future notifications if anything becomes available.
As in past years, we will be requiring a non-refundable $70 registration fee for each participant. This will be applied to a portion of your hotel expense, an event T-Shirt, the BHB annual meeting, and some administrative costs. Registrations will again be handled electronically through our Web site. This will be the only way to register for this build. Please use your existing username to log into the web site. If you do not remember your password, there is a Forgot Password link. Remember, you must specifically register for the Hawaii build in order to have a guaranteed spot at the build.
We would like your registration for the build completed by April 1st, 2012. Space may be limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. You are not registered until we have received your registration fees.
Your early registration is key to this effort and greatly appreciated!
Although during registration we will ask you for your lodging and participation days, please know that you may update your registration online at any time prior to paying for lodging. Lodging payments will be due in the summer of 2012.
We have excellent accommodations for this year’s build with the help of the West Hawaii affiliate! We will be staying at the ocean side Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. The room rate will be approximately $60.00/night/person (double-occupancy) during the build and $70.00/night/person (double-occupancy) before or after the build. This will include free internet, parking and breakfast.
Updates with further details on housing, car rental, meals, travel, etc. will be made available on our Web site when they are available – so check the site often.
If you have questions or encounter problems with the site, please contact us immediately at Registrar@BlitzHomeBuilders.org .
Thank you in advance for your continued interest and participation. Your Blitz Home Builders Planning Committee is looking forward to seeing everyone in Hawaii.
Your prompt response is appreciated.
Register for the 2012 Blitz Build Now!
Thank you,
-BHB Planning Committee
Hawaii Build 2012 Update
October 13, 2011Dear Blitz Home Builders,
The Blitz Home Builders Planning Committee has been meeting regularly with Habitat for Humanity, West Hawaii and we wanted to keep you posted on the status of the upcoming Hawaii build.
1) Build Dates - This year the build will begin on the evening of Wednesday September 12th 2012 with a traditional Hawaiian Blessing event. We hope you all can be at this event, as it is important to the local Hawaiian people. The build will progress on a typical schedule with Sunday the 16th as a Day Off, our Annual Dinner & Meeting the evening of Wednesday the 19th, a private BHB dedication the evening of Friday the 21st, and the official dedication on Saturday Sept 22nd.
2) The Hawaiian Blessing Event - Hawaiians put a great deal of emphasis on blessings in their work and in everything they do. New homes and newly acquired homes are blessed to bring peace, love and harmony to the new family. In some ways, a land or house blessing is similar to a marriage ceremony. The responsibilities of the various parties are spelled out, and the new owners promise to cherish and protect this kuleana, this responsibility.
3) Hotel Change - This year’s Blitz Home Builders hotel has been changed to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay (http://www.sheratonkeauhou.com/). The room rates will be the same price or cheaper than previously advertised ($60pp during the build, and $70pp before/after the build). More information to come.
4) Registration Period - Registration for the 2012 Blitz Build will open around December 1, 2011. We know this is earlier than usual, but with the extra variability of this build it is important for us to have a headcount as early as possible. As always, registration requires a $70 deposit. Your participation dates do not need to be finalized until lodging payments are due early summer of 2012. If you know you will be joining us in Hawaii in 2012, please register early for our headcount and then finalize your exact dates in the summer of 2012.
5) Airfare Deals - We are working with a local travel agent to explore group airfare deals. Although we do not wish to get into the travel agent business, the location of this build will have many people flying the same routes which could possibly lead to some potential savings. More information as we know more.
6) Need for Housing - Although Hawaii is a vacation destination for most of us, there is a huge housing need for local Hawaiians. Because of the high costs of living, 15% of Hawaiians live below the poverty level. Habitat for Humanity, West Hawaii provides much needed relief to these people. For example, the average cost of a home in Hawaii is $350,000. Habitat is able to sell their homes for $85,000. The average rent in Hawaii is $1,500/mo, a Habitat mortgage is only $350/mo. As you can see, there is a clear need for Habitat’s services in Hawaii and this blitz build is already receiving tremendous attention and support from the local community and government.
Please continue to check the Hawaii page of our website (http://www.blitzhomebuilders.org/builds/Hawaii12/) or follow us on Facebook for more updates as they become available.
Mahalo,
BHB Planning Committee
Blitz Home Builders are Going to Hawaii!
August 15, 2011
Blitz Home Builders has decided to go to Hawaii for the 2012 annual Blitz build and announced it at the annual meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on July 27th. Although there are many details that need to be worked out regarding the Blitz build, the planning committee wanted to provide some preliminary information to help you with your planning. This past spring we conducted a short survey in order to gauge the level of support and potential concerns the Blitz Home Builders may have for a Hawaii Blitz build. Taken as a whole, the support was high among those who participated. There were also some concerns expressed and we are working to address them. We urge you to please take the time to read this message which we feel may help to clarify some of those concerns.
The Need: When we think of Hawaii we often picture a playground for the rich and high prices. We also need to picture the huge service population that must find simple, decent, affordable housing amidst the tourist condos, resorts, and hotel properties. While this build is a celebration of our 15 years of building together, the primary thrust is exactly the same as for each of the other 14 builds we have done: transforming lives, positively impacting families, and providing a hand up for those who need it. Some may consider the location “exotic”, but sub-standard housing exists here, too. Our goals remain constant: build homes, have fun, establish lasting friendships, and enjoy each other’s company.
Where and When: The Blitz build will be in Kailua-Kona which is on the west side of the Big Island. Here is a link to more information about the island(s) http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island. Although the dates are set, we are looking at making some minor changes to the schedule to address the build process for the Habitat affiliate in Hawaii and the desire for many volunteers to enjoy some of the sights and activities in the area while attending the build. We plan to quickly firm up the exact construction dates to allow you enough time to do your own personal planning. Final adjustments will be completed by the time build registration opens this Fall.
Air Transportation: Transportation to / from Hawaii is the responsibility of the volunteer. Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the "hub" for most flights to the various islands, but direct flights can be obtained from a few major airports on the mainland directly to the Kailua-Kona airport on the Big Island. Air Fares can be volatile; check frequently or have a web-based service alert you to low fare deals when they occur.
Car Transportation: See below for a combined rate for a car and hotel. Other rental agencies are also on the island. We may be able to arrange for vans / busses for travel between the hotel and job site.
Hotel: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort – This year’s Blitz Home Builders hotel has been changed to the Sheraton Keauhou Bay (http://www.sheratonkeauhou.com/). The room rates will be the same price or cheaper than previously advertised ($60pp during the build, and $70pp before/after the build) [10/13/11].
Hotel Rates: The affiliate has worked with the hotel to obtain special reduced room rates. These are deeply discounted from their normal rates for this time of year. The exact rate will be established at the end of registration.
- During the Build: About $60.00 per person per night double occupancy (including tax).
- Before / After the Build: About $70.00 per person, per night double occupancy (including tax).
Rental Car Options: The affiliate has obtained a special rate for a hotel + car package through the hotel. The extra cost for this option is approximately $40 per day before, after, or during the build. Other rental car options are available online – please do your own shopping.
The Project: The West Hawaii affiliate would like to build up to FIVE houses! Based on our survey responses, this may be optimistic. These houses are basically similar to the many homes we have built over the years, but have some design features that are different. As usual, we plan to start with a first floor deck. Here are some photos of Kona Habitat homes under construction. Bring your tools if you must, but the affiliate will have hand and power tools to accomplish all phases of the work.
Tax Implications: Everyone’s tax situation is unique. Please consult with your tax advisor to see if some portion of your travel, meals, and/or hotel may be deductable.
We have provided this early information to give you time to consider and plan your trip. Please check your options and do your home work. We expect registration to open this Fall. Check our web site often for additional information as it becomes available. Contact us with your questions or comments.
Aloha!
Planning Committee
Hawaii@BlitzHomeBuilders.org
http://BlitzHomeBuilders.org
