The stars of HGTV‘s popular new show “Renovation Aloha” have issued a lengthy statement expressing how “deeply disappointed” they are by a Hawaiian news outlet’s report that alleges they’ve skirted around securing permits for the renovation projects featured on their show.
On December 6, 2024, Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama posted their statement on social media, calling the claims “misleading and inaccurate.” Community members, fans, and friends immediately rushed to their defense.
‘Renovation Aloha’ Stars Deny Allegations in New Statement
An investigation by Honolulu’s Civil Beat published on December 4, 2024, claimed that the Kalamas have not always followed local guidelines, starting — and even finishing — renovation projects before permits had been approved by the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
In many cases, Civil Beat claimed, the couple sold the homes they renovated without acquiring the proper permits for work including “major structural, electrical and plumbing upgrades” featured on “Renovation Aloha.” The outlet noted that obtaining construction permits in Hawaii is a notoriously long process, with most requests taking many months, and sometimes longer than a year, to be reviewed and approved.
In the Kalamas’ statement, they said they were “deeply disappointed” by the article, saying that it “misrepresents our work on ‘Renovation Aloha’ and undermines the values we hold dear.”
“These misleading claims fail to reflect the full context of the challenges we face or the sincerity of our efforts to operate with integrity, comply with all regulations, and serve our community with transparency and care.”
The couple acknowledged in their statement “there is always room for improvement and we are constantly learning how to be better, we have taken concrete steps to improve our processes and ensure our work aligns with all city and county regulations. Specifically, we have strengthened our diligence and ceased working with contractors who fail to meet the standards our community and its regulations demand.”
Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama Get Support From Community & Fans
The Kalamas said in their statement that they were particularly upset about Civil Beat’s insinuations that they don’t treat their Hawaiian clients and heritage with the utmost care.
“As a local and native Hawaiian couple born and raised on O’Ahu, we take immense pride in being part of this vibrant community. Our mission has always been to uplift our neighbors, foster the spirit of Aloha, and contribute positively to the well-being of Hawai’i through our work on and off television.”
Many community members, fans and HGTV colleagues rushed to their defense, including “100 Day Dream Home” star Brian Kleinschmidt, who wrote, “Satan will always try to break you before your breakthrough. Keep fighting to good fight and never give up. 🤙”
While some commenters asked for more details about whether the Kalamas have skirted permit requirements, most rallied around the couple and expressed hope that the report would influence the DPP to improve its process.
One person wrote, “I hope this sheds light on the TRUE and DEEPER problem with how BROKEN the DPP and permitting process is 🤬😤 You guys are paving the way for these changes!!!! 🙌🔥”
Another commented, “Love you guys and all that you do for our local community! Keep pressing forward, we support you! 🙌”
“There is a housing shortage in Hawai’i and you guys are working to help fix old and run down homes for local Hawaiians to achieve that dream of being a homeowner,” someone else wrote. “I don’t see the Hawaiian govt doing anything to help but put up more red tape or taxing the hell out of locals”
The Kalamas have been filming the second season of “Renovation Aloha” and the sixth season of “Rock the Block,” both due to premiere in early 2025,
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