Our History

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1974    

Alternative Structures International (ASI) is founded as a non-profit 501(c)(3) by Father Phil Harmon, professor Virginia Brett, and sociologist Frances Sydow. First group home started in Makiki as a life-sharing intentional community with social workers/co-workers and several adults with special needs.  Effectivness of holistic community approach recognized by state case managers. Additional space is needed to address expanded demand for their unique approach. 

1977    

Kahumana Community founded on Lualualei Homestead Road on Oahu's west side. Intentional community and group home moved from Makiki to Kahumana.

1977 - 1982    

Expansion and development of intentional community. Construction of facilities at Kahumana: Residential group homes and program buildings donated and/or constructed by largely volunteer crew. 

1983    

Special Treatment Facility contract awarded to Kahumana Community/ASI by the State of Hawaii Department of Health.

1989    

Ohana Ola O Kahumana: Transitional Housing Program opens its doors to12 homeless families with minor dependent children.  Waldorf preschool kindergarten started at the center of the new community.

1990    

Kahumana Farm receives biodynamic certification from the Demeter Organization.

1995 - 2005

Phase two of fundraising and construction of Ohana Ola O Kahumana begins: 36 additional units and a community center for homeless families with children are added.

2006    

Ohana Ola O Kahumana opens up new housing units and programs for additional families.

2007    

Kahumana Community/ASI begins managment of Ulu Ke Kukui, an 80 unit transitional housing program for homeless families located in nearby Ma'ili. 

2008    

Opening of Kahumana Cafe to the public. Expansion of Kahumana Farm. Start of Kahumana Kitchen at Ulu Ke Kukui. 

2010 - 2013

Expansion of:

• Transitional Housing Program: expands services for homeless families.

• Farm and Café : start of culinary, hospitality and farm/food vocational training programs at the farm and cafe. More of our fresh local fruits and vegetables available to more families, farmers markets and restaurants. 

• Retreat and Learning Center: start of farmstay program and school & wellness retreats

• Commercial Kitchen: expansion of healthy lunch service to schools and organizations. 

• Through a generous donation from the Mann Family Trust in recogntion of Kahumana's 35 years of care of our beloved Susan Mann, Kahumana Community purchases 16 acres of land on Kuwale Road in the Lualualei Ahupua'a for our expanded programs. 

• First annual Kahumana Farm Festival and Seed Exchange

2014

• Start of Kahumana Learning Center: Kahumana receives contract with Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Division to start an adult day health program and personal assistant services. 

• Expansion of aquaponic system and farm program for homeless families and people with disabilities.

2016

• Launch of transitional jobs program - helping participants in our transitional housing program to gain employment and job skills

• May 9th: Official launch of Kahumana Early Childhood Center at Ulu Ke Kukui

• June 1st: Opening of Windward location of Kahumana Learning Center

Our symbol is the kukui nut tree: Representing enlightenment, protection, and peace.