Blessing held for new medical respite housing

A formal blessing was held for Pulama Ola Kauhale, a new medical respite housing located behind the Department of Health, on Friday.

Blessing the kauhale together is Kahu Kordell Kekoa, center, with Bob Wardlaw, left, director of homelessness at Project Vision Hawaii and Toni Floerke, head nurse at Project Vision Hawaii.

Pictured is the interior of one of 10 rooms where homeless individuals can recuperate and heal once released from a hospital after treatment.

Speaking is James Koshiba, the governor's coordinator on homelessness.

The crowd looks on at the blessing.

Blessing one of the housing units is Kahu Kordell Kekoa.

Nani Medeiros, Hawaii chief housing officer, wiped away tears after the blessing.

At the maile lei untying is, from left, Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Toni Floerke, head nurse at Project Vision Hawaii, James Koshiba, Hawaii coordinator on homelessness, Darrah Kauhane Floerke, executive director at Project Vision Hawaii, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, Gov. Josh Green, Kimo Carvalho, executive director at HomeAid Hawaii, Nani Medeiros, Hawaii chief housing officer and Bob Wardlaw, director of homelessness at Project Vision Hawaii.

Exchanging honi is Gov. Josh Green and Kahu Kordell Kekoa.

Speaking is Gov. Josh Green.

By Cindy Ellen Russell, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/05/27/photo-gallery/blessing-held-for-new-medical-respite-housing/