World · India Bureau
Salesforce Chief Donates Hawaii Land for Affordable Housing Project
Marc Benioff, CEO of cloud computing giant Salesforce, and his wife Lynne have pledged 440 acres of their Hawaiian landholdings to develop affordable housing on the Big Island. The donation is part of a larger real estate portfolio valued at nearly $100 million acquired since 2000.
LSN India ·

The Benioffs' contribution will support the Ouli Project, an initiative designed to address Hawaii's persistent housing shortage by creating residential opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. The initial phase will encompass 43 self-help homes, allowing residents to participate in the construction process while building equity in their properties.
Beyond residential units, the development plan incorporates community amenities including parks and public gathering spaces. The project reflects growing efforts among wealthy individuals and organisations to tackle affordable housing challenges in Hawaii, where property costs have surged dramatically over recent decades.
The donation represents a significant portion of the Benioffs' Hawaiian real estate acquisitions. Since 2000, the couple has accumulated more than 600 acres across the islands, with a combined estimated value near $100 million. The transaction underscores broader philanthropic commitments by technology industry leaders to address social issues in communities where they hold substantial property interests.
Hawaii faces acute housing affordability pressures, with median home prices among the nation's highest relative to median household incomes. The Ouli Project joins other recent initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing supply across the islands and supporting local residents facing displacement.