HONOLULU, HI -- A community-based mortgage company attributes its high success rate in closing loans for beneficiaries of Hawaiian Home Lands with its integrated lending and homeownership education programs. Hawaii Community Lending is an initiative of Hawaiian Community Assets, a nonprofit focused on promoting homeownership in Hawaii. HCA created Hawaii Community Lending to provide a locally controlled and operated mortgage loan outlet for clients wanting a personalized touch.

Hawaii Community Lending announced the closing of the last of sixty-six loans in the Hawaiian Home Lands Waiehu Kou 3 project on Maui. With the closing of this final loan, sixty-six families are celebrating homeownership on the Valley Isle; with HCL once again meeting its mission of assisting families achieve homeownership.

"I never would have reached my goal of buying my own home if Hawaii Community Lending did not believe in me and give me a chance," said Sharon Awai, a single mom and one of the newest homeowners in Waiehu Kou 3. "I probably would have been passed over like others in our family; however, the service and commitment provided by Winona and Michelle at Hawaii Community Lending enabled me to be a homeowner for the first time."

HCL originates a variety of loans to meet every need and situation, including FHA, Rural Development and Conventional loan programs for purchase, construction and refinancing. In addition, the dedicated and knowledgeable staff of HCL has a particular expertise in working with loan programs for Hawaiian Home Land properties, a federal trust established by Prince Jonah Kuhio in 1920.

"Hawaii Community lending has been a tremendous asset for our non-profit and the community we were created to serve," said Kehau Filimoe`atu, President of the Board of Hawaiian Community Assets. "With a lending arm, we are able to compliment the homebuyer education and financial literacy programs at HCA, assisting many families to complete the final transaction - the closing of a mortgage loan."

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has recently announced two new developments on Maui called Waiehu Kou 4 and Leialii. Dowling Company Inc. has been awarded the development rights and will be constructing a total of 187 homes for sale in both projects.

"Maui is where our nonprofit was born, we are ready and excited to work with families interested in these projects," remarked Filimoe`atu. "With HCA and HCL focused on the best service we can provide, we hope to assist many more families navigate the process of homeownership."

Hawaii Community Lending is a partner with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Homeownership Assistance Program (HOAP) and is accepting loan applications and processing financial assessments and pre-qualifications for all DHHL projects. For more information, please call Winona or Michelle Kauhane, Loan Officers at 1-866-400-1116.