About us
The Hemp Hale Initiative is led by Co-Executive Directors Jordan Naihe and Kelci Naihe-Villalon, siblings from Hawai‘i Island with roots on DHHL land in Pu‘ukapu. Both are active members of the Living Future Indigenous-Led Community, a national network advancing regenerative design through Indigenous leadership. Both are certified through Oregon State University's Global Hemp Innovation Center Hemp Construction Train-the-Trainer Workshop, held in Corvallis, Oregon. The program was a hands-on program bringing together leading hemp construction companies from across North America. This certification strengthens our technical foundation in hempcrete building systems as we bring this knowledge home to Hawai'i Island.
Our Purpose
The Hemp Hale Initiative exists to meet an urgent need: to house Hawai‘i’s houseless and under-housed families who already have the land but not the means to build. Through industrial hemp construction, we provide durable, affordable homes that protect both people and place.
Beyond this immediate mission, we are committed to expanding our efforts across Hawai‘i Island, building hemp-based homes for all who seek sustainable, resilient, and affordable housing. Hemp Hale Initiative is also preparing to build the first permitted hemp home on Hawai'i Island. Our vision is to make hemp construction a widely accessible solution, strengthening communities and supporting a healthier future for the entire island.
Contact
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.