Ululani Nauka first joined Hawai‘i Modern Realty, formerly Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hawaiʻi Realty, at the beginning of the brokerage’s partnership with The Institute for Human Services in late 2021.
“When they announced that the first event that we were going to do was decorate the women’s and family shelter, I immediately raised my hand and said, ‘I’m in,’” Nauka told Aloha State Daily. “I thought that was such a great way to start off the holidays.”
The tradition has continued for five consecutive years, with about 20 to 30 volunteers from the company annually helping to decorate IHS’ Kaaahi Women’s and Family shelter. Local companies and organizations helped decorate other IHS shelters.
“It is really about our team getting together, and when we do that, you can personally see the happiness, and how it uplifts them (the residents) during this time because it is challenging,” she said.
Shortly after that first event, Nauka took built a small committee, now of four members, to help plan future community service projects.
“This one does take a little bit more game planning because you have to look at parking and not interrupt their daily activities. It’s planning with IHS to make sure the timing is right, and they are so thankful for everyone who does come in and does this for their groups, their teams, their families, that we all make it work.
“Every year, when it’s done, it feels great, and we’re looking forward to the following year. We’re already game planning for the following year because we’re excited about this – I think it’s because of the warmth of giving back and making a difference for them.”
She said what stood out for her this year was that the residents also participated in the decorating and the Hawai‘i Modern Realty volunteers got to construct a photo booth area for IHS events.
For her, the most rewarding part is “the smiles that are on the faces of the people who are living there.”
“One year, I had a [child] come up to me and hug me and just say, ‘thank you so much,’ she said.
Throughout the year, Hawai‘i Modern Realty partners with IHS on other initiatives, too, one being toiletry collection events where they pack bags of essentials and write encouraging notes inside. “Those little things become big things, like someoneʻs smile,” Nauka added.
The brokerage also hosts blood drives and contributes to Hawaiʻi Foodbank, she noted.
Her goal for the new year is to continue lending a hand to these organizations and more, with an open invite to “the community to come out with us.”
“It takes everyone to help out and these organizations look to other people and organizations to help. … Anything that we can do, we would love to do.”
When asked what advice she would offer to companies or individuals who are interested in giving back? "I did an exercise once where I looked at how many people we had, and I said, 'If we gave up coffee for a day, that's five to seven dollars.' If each person just donated $5 each, monetarily that is huge to these organizations. That, and in-kind donations. Plus, they are always looking for volunteers. ... These organizations are looking for an all-around service."
Nauka, who was born on Oʻahu and lived on the Mainland and Hawai’i Island before returning, says she got into real estate to be able to provide for her family and for more help people and serve the community.
“My first sale was to a local family, first time homebuyers that made it work to get their own home. It’s such a good feeling,” she said. “Another sale was a local family moving back home from the Mainland into the neighborhood they grew up in. That was so special. That’s why I really enjoy about what I do as a real estate agent, and it really solidifies my decision to join Hawai‘i Modern Realty because it does feel like family.”
Hawai‘i Modern Realty rebranded with a new name in November, keeping its same team and leadership, according to Nauka, adding, “It strengthens us as a brokerage to be able to give back to the community.”
The O‘ahu-based, independent real estate brokerage has 150 agents and staff, who are local experts in buying and selling residential and luxury properties across the Islands.
For more information, visit modernhawaii.com. Follow Hawai‘i Modern Realty on Instagram @hawaiimodernrealty, Facebook Hawai‘i Modern Realty and LinkedIn Hawai‘i Modern Realty.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
