Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation is one step closer to the completion of Phase I of its center in Waihee.

WAIHEE – Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation’s supporters and champions on Maui gathered to celebrate the holidays and showcase the progress of HARF’s Community Education and Animal Center project in Waihee on Dec. 8.

Phase I of project, a multi-use barn, is over 60 percent done with an estimated completion in 2020.

HARF Co-founder and Executive Director Dawn Hall said, “This has been a dream come true for our growing rescue organization.

“It’s been years in the planning and fundraising, and we look forward to having a permanent home for the animals, staff and volunteers.”

Once open, the center will provide expanded animal adoption programs, humane education programs (including children’s camps) and volunteer opportunities.

“We are grateful to be the safety net for our island’s animals in need and look forward to growing our center to meet the increasing needs of the community,” said Hall.

HARF’s programs have been bursting at the seams for years now, and its solution was to expand to a physical location.

To meet this need, in 2017, HARF purchased ten acres in Waihee for its future animal center.

In 2019, HARF broke ground on the first building on the property, a large multi-use barn, with an anticipated occupancy date of summer 2020.

This building will house all HARF’s animals, volunteers and staff.

The total project budget for Phase I is $895,000.

With over $500,000 already raised, HARF has set a year-end fundraising goal of $375,000 to complete the project.

For more information, visit www.hawaiianimalrescue.org.