Kānaka Maoli families navigating inherited land, title issues, or DHHL waitlists—but struggle to navigate the complex rules, waitlists, or legal paperwork from outside the islands.

For generations, Native Hawaiians have struggled to reclaim and live on their ancestral land—even with systems like the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in place. The reality is heartbreaking: thousands of ʻohana have spent decades on waitlists, some never receiving a lot in their lifetime. In the meantime, the rising cost of living, limited housing availability, and outside investor interest have pushed many Native families out of their own homelands.

ROOF recognizes these systemic challenges and are committed to supporting Hawaiian families by offering knowledge, real estate guidance, and architectural solutions that honor ʻāina-based living. Whether you're navigating DHHL, inherited land, or are looking for ways to stay rooted despite pressure to sell, we're here to help.

Kānaka Maoli and displaced families are struggling with how to hold onto land, not just emotionally, but legally, structurally, and generationally.

Holding onto legacy land can be overwhelming, especially when faced with complicated paperwork, outside pressure to sell, and the emotional weight of ancestral responsibility. The truth is: many families don’t realize how vulnerable their land situation is until it’s too late—whether due to unclear title, inheritance issues, back taxes, or lack of financial planning.

At ROOF, we want to help break that cycle. Advising with steps to protect your land and keep it in Hawaiian hands. Even from the mainland for those who want to protect their family’s legacy.

ROOF Design and Build is our California-based Architectural + Interior Design firm, but we are deeply connected to Pacific Islander communities across the West Coast. We know many families have land in Hawai‘i but are navigating planning and design from the States.

We offer consultations, plans, and guidance to help you create housing solutions for family land—even if you’re not on island full time.

We stand with the families of Lahaina and across Maui and the Mā’ilii wildfires who lost homes, land, and history. Whether you're still displaced or holding onto a property in transition, we’re offering free consultations and design help to those affected by the wildfires.

We understand that many families are being pressured by outside investors to sell out of survival, especially following crises like the Maui fires.

That’s why we’re committed to offering free education, real estate guidance, and affordable design solutions to help families stay rooted.

We do not represent outside buyers or developers; instead, we focus on empowering locals with real tools to build income, create generational housing, and understand their land rights.

Through virtual consults, downloadable resources, and collaborative partnerships with Hawai‘i-based organizations, our goal is to help protect the lāhui and ensure the future of Hawai‘i lands stays in Hawaiian hands.