BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, making housing affordable
Our collaborative of architects, builders, and engineers have developed houses with fire- and wind-resistant exteriors, independent clean water sources, storm proofing and more.
* To invent new construction materials and techniques so homes can survive modern weather.
* To educate people about how to adapt to a rapidly changing climate & be a trusted guide in scary times.
We envision a world where people are informed and inspired to take action to protect themselves from climate change.
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Our Story
Hawaii had always been their envisioned final destination, not only for its natural beauty but also for its unique culture and deep connection to the land. Their decision to settle in Hawaii was driven by more than just the scenic landscapes—it was the people and their long-standing tradition of caring for the planet that resonated with them. With David’s background as a designer , they set out to build a home on a piece of land carved into the side of an active volcano in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
Determined to push boundaries in construction, David decided to address the stagnation in American building practices, which had changed little in the last 75 years, and the growing threat of climate change. Alongside a skilled team of architects, designers, engineers, and material scientists, he developed new technology to create a home that was not only cost-effective but also wildfire-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme winds, and entirely water-independent.
In 2020, the first home using these techniques was completed, performing exactly as intended. However, shortly after, his wife was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating illness. During this challenging time, she proposed the idea of creating something lasting that would give back to Hawaii.Recognizing the severity of the affordable housing crisis in the region—where homeownership remains out of reach for many families—they established the Paulele Housing Association, a 501(3)c nonprofit dedicated to housing technology, climate education, and action. The organization’s mission is to develop climate-resilient housing, build sustainable communities, and provide practical tools to help individuals protect themselves and their families against the increasingly extreme weather patterns of the future.
Our Mission
Our mission at the Paulele Housing Association, as a non-profit founded in Hawaii is to pioneer advanced construction technologies that withstand the harsh realities of our changing climate. We design sustainable communities by integrating orchards, gardens, and Indigenous plants into affordable living settings, reconnecting people with the land, water, and natural world.
Our resource hub is designed to empower homeowners, providing them with the knowledge to adapt to changing weather, retrofitting older homes to survive and building new homes with new technologies. Our goal is to minimize the destruction, loss of life, and financial setbacks brought on by the climate crisis.
David Gilliland
Our Founder
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David Gilliland
Founder & Imagineer
Between Tennessee, California, and over a hundred other cities in the early 70s, David designed and built lighting systems and special effects for major music artists, blending visual art with marketing strategies. He developed a broad technical skill set and consulting resources, designing animated set pieces, laser effects, pyrotechnics, and props.
By the 1980s, he leveraged this expertise into technology, consulting, and investing in the nascent personal computer industry in Northern California. His ventures included the first spelling checker software, one of the first multimedia platforms, and optical disk multi-media storage systems, co-patenting high-power fiber optic light gate technology.
In the 1990s, he moved to London to develop large-scale structured finance projects, overseeing private wealth participants across four continents. Returning to Key West later that decade, he worked alongside Mel Fisher’s organization recovering artifacts from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha that sank off the Florida coast in a hurricane. During this time he endured three giving him personal exposure to extreme weather.
In 2003, back in Tennessee, David became a licensed general contractor specializing in historical restorations and upscale renovations, including repurposing buildings into commercial retail and office space, constructing multi-family homes, and launching a high-end retail showroom for kitchen and bath remodeling.
Relocating in 2018, he shifted to developing climate-resilient construction technologies in Hawaii with his Ex Machina Group, focusing on advising and remediating at-risk coastal properties and developing climate-resilient construction technologies to protect homes against wildfire, wind, and drought and building affordable, sustainable communities.
By 2022, in collaboration with IBM’s Watson artificial intelligence, Climate Intelligence Group and a dozen other technological partners, David created an AI-driven system to evaluate climate risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Capable of performing a remote visual survey of a home then evaluate its climate risks, his Future Proof technology can recommend proactive steps the homeowner can take to mitigate the impact of our increasingly extreme weather. Consolidated in the Future Proof interactive online educational system a homeowner can simulate the impact of extreme weather on their property and tour their neighborhood through a 150-year journey of climate’s past, present and future.
David’s career and the creative collaboration he has assembled demonstrate a a significant shift from pioneering entertainment technology to advocating for climate- sustainable development and the remediation of our existing housing, impacting diverse industries and communities.
Jennifer Price
Director / Treasurer/ Business Manager
As a founding Board Member, Jen brings over three decades of experience in managing startups within the design, consulting, technology, and construction industries. Specializing in financial forecasting, tax strategy, and accounting, she provides robust oversight and strategic guidance in corporate affairs. Her expertise extends to leading special projects, enhancing manufacturing processes, and overseeing property management. Known for her analytical approach and strategic thinking, she plays a pivotal role in steering companies toward sustainable growth and operational excellence. Her leadership skills and deep industry knowledge make her an indispensable resource in navigating complex business environments and achieving corporate objectives.
Dawn Sena M.A.R.(S)
Executive Director
Dawn, a dedicated Board Member, brings over a decade of experience across business, non-profits, and real estate. Renowned for her expertise in business development, donor relations, and publicity, Dawn has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering meaningful partnerships. She has successfully spearheaded special events and fundraising campaigns, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and deliver impactful results. With a strategic mindset and a passion for community engagement, Dawn is committed to advancing organizational goals and creating lasting positive change in every project she undertakes.
Pualilia Paikuli
Director of Cultural Affairs
Pua, a mother and descendant of Kamehameha-nui & Kalola-nui, is an entrepreneurial Licensed Massage Therapist in Hawai'i for 22 years. Deeply committed to her Native Hawaiian and Acoma Native American heritage, she studies and teaches indigenous practices. As part of the Kaiāulu Ancestral Wisdom Collective and a mahi'ai, she focuses on sustainably cultivating Native Hawaiian plants. A mystic mermaid and yogi, Pua also studies Hawaiian, Mayan calendars, and Western Astrology. Advocating for natural living, she promotes climate education, sustainable communities, and whole foods. Embodying the Aloha Spirit, she navigates life as a peaceful rainbow warrior and conduit of change.
Our Directors
Pualilia Paikuli
Affairs
Dawn Sena M.A.R.(S)
Director
Jessie Torrisi