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Unions, faith groups and local leaders urge residents not to work, shop or go to school after killing of Renee Good
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Unions, faith groups and local leaders urge residents not to work, shop or go to school after killing of Renee Good
Nuns, bishops and laity from California to Texas have created a network of help to uphold church teachings
(RNS) — As immigrants increasingly fear detention at ICE check-ins, many faith groups have doubled down on accompaniment strategies to suppo
(RNS) — 'There simply isn’t enough capacity even for the local community. It’s much harder with a population that has been abandoned in plac
Hawaii Faith Groups Log $200M Property Deals, 2025 Surge
Major Transactions and Their ImpactIn 2025, Hawai'i's faith groups significantly reshaped the islands' real estate market through high-stakes property transactions. These moves are seen as terrain-defining for the area's real estate landscape. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu led the way with a $90 million transaction. This deal involved the land beneath the Kāhala Nui senior living facility and stands as the largest non-hotel real estate exchange in Hawaiʻi for the year. This transaction symbolizes significant changes in the market and offers insights into transaction analysis practices. Additionally, religious institutions in Hawaiʻi made nearly $200 million in real estate deals, reflecting their growing influence in the local property market. Meanwhile, the LDS Church and Grace Bible Church also made strategic property acquisitions. The LDS Church invested $80 million, and Grace Bible Church spent $26 million on property deals. These transactions strengthen the financial stability of these institutions. They also enhance their community influence, aiming to address the state's housing issues. Potential developments and adaptive reuse of their properties could play a key role in this initiative.Key Players in the Real Estate MarketFaith groups in Hawaiʻi have extended their influence by actively participating in the real estate market. Their recent actions demonstrate a significant level of engagement and impact. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu is leading with its recent sale beneath Kāhala Nui for $90 million. This marks the largest non-hotel deal for 2025 in Hawaiʻi. Key players shaping these market dynamics include the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. They have partnered with Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation to work on affordable housing initiatives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has also made its presence felt. They've acquired properties on Maui and Oʻahu totaling $80 million. Local churches are increasingly repurposing properties to address Hawai‘i’s housing shortage, showcasing their active role in community development. Grace Bible Church Pearlside is expanding its footprint on Oʻahu with a $26 million land purchase. Their activities underscore the evolving roles of faith-based organizations in the real estate sector. Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation continues to advance affordable housing across the state. Their efforts align with broader initiatives to meet housing needs in Hawaiʻi.Future Development and Expansion PlansA wave of real estate developments involving Hawaii's faith groups is poised to transform communities across the islands. These groups have orchestrated intricate land utilization strategies to maximize community benefits. Projects such as the ʻEwa Land Swap leverage a land donation to Hawaiian Homelands for commercial development. This strategic maneuver secures projected revenue streams earmarked for vital homestead projects. Similarly, the construction of senior affordable housing highlights efforts to provide essential services to marginalized populations. These detailed community impact assessments guarantee developments align with local needs. This approach addresses both economic and social objectives. Faith groups manage significant portfolios and explore redevelopment opportunities. They overcome regulatory challenges to further enhance community well-being long-term. Rising inflation impacts mortgage rates, reducing purchasing power and making affordability more complex, which these faith groups need to consider when planning future developments.Addressing Housing ShortagesHawaii faces a monumental challenge in addressing its widening housing shortages. These are accentuated by both quantitative demand and affordability gaps.The state's faith initiatives play a vital role in mitigating these issues. They do so by promoting affordable housing solutions.To address the stark shortages, a strategic focus is warranted on several fronts.
Firstly, construction of additional units is crucial. A projected 32,970 housing units are needed from 2025–2035 to meet demand.Secondly, boosting low-income housing is essential. An estimated 26,000 homes are still required for extremely low-income households.Thirdly, leveraging faith-based partnerships can help. Faith groups can bridge the supply gaps.Lastly, policy reform remains pivotal. Overcoming regulatory barriers that hinder construction expansion is necessary.The integration of faith initiatives into state planning may aid significantly. This can create viable, sustainable affordable housing pathways.Financial Implications of Recent DealsFaith-based groups have increasingly become pivotal players in Hawaii's real estate market. This reflects significant financial dynamics.Their financial strategies are showcased by the conversion of real estate assets into liquid cash or obligations. This enhances asset liquidity.The $90 million Kāhala Nui land sale illustrates these dynamics. It forms the largest non-hotel deal of the year as faith groups leverage high-value transactions for maximum liquidity.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' purchases spotlight balance-sheet impacts. Large acquisitions increase real estate liabilities, affecting long-term financing needs.Grace Bible Church Pearlside’s $26 million land acquisition exemplifies strategies that enable operational continuity. It also aids in asset value monetization.These moves amplify liquidity in local markets. They have significant implications for pricing benchmarks and potential impacts on local taxation frameworks.AssessmentThe recent $200 million property transactions by Hawaii's faith groups mark a pivotal moment in the state's real estate landscape. With key players ramping up development and expansion plans, the potential to address ongoing housing shortages is evident.The financial ramifications of these deals go beyond immediate profits, suggesting broader economic impacts. The entry of faith groups into the real estate sector highlights an urgent shift in market dynamics.This move underscores the transformative potential within Hawaii's property market, signaling a significant change in the way the market functions. As these religious organizations take bold steps, the future of real estate in Hawaii is poised for substantial transformation.
(RNS) — Faith groups say thousands remain locked in limbo as the administration drags its feet.
(RNS) — ‘We pray the government finally respects the court order as well as human dignity, and admits the thousands of refugees,’ said Mark