Make-A-Wish^® Hawaii

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Nan, Inc. builds community through life-changing wishes come true

A valued wish partner, Honolulu-based construction management company Nan, Inc. believes it is equally important to create not only lasting structures, but a lasting sense of aloha in our local community. More than two dozen wishes have been granted thanks to Nan, Inc.’s generous support over the past eight years. Most recently, the company granted 10-year-old Cheyleia’s wish to have a princess bedroom makeover, providing her and her ‘ohana much-needed strength as they navigated a devastating brain cancer diagnosis.

Founded in 1990 by entrepreneur Nan Chul Shin with only one employee, Nan, Inc. has since grown into the state’s largest locally owned general contractor, executing projects of all sizes. Giving back to the community has been central to the company’s values since its inception. In particular, Nan, Inc. aims to support Hawaii keiki through sports, scholarships, and–of course–wishes. These values are shared among the entire Nan, Inc. team, with many employees taking it upon themselves to organize participation in charitable events and restoration projects across the islands.

“As nearly all of the Nan ‘Ohana is local, it is important to the company to make a difference and set an example in the community, as we are helping our own extended families and friends,” explains Nakaima. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful team of caring people who all strive to give back. Making wishes come true helps to carry on these traditions and beliefs of the Nan ‘Ohana.” 

When approached with 10-year-old Kaneohe wish kid Cheyleia’s wish to have a princess bedroom makeover, the team at Nan, Inc. knew it was a perfect fit. 

“Building spaces to serve and please our customers is at the heart of Nan, Inc.’s purpose, but supporting Cheyleia’s bedroom brought a whole new meaning 100 times over,” says Nakaima. 

Fighting a rare and aggressive brain tumor, Cheyleia wished for a space all her own–one where she could unleash her imagination, find comfort during the most difficult days of her journey, and make memories with her ‘ohana. Thanks to Nan, Inc.’s generosity, Cheyleia’s wish came true. While she was away for treatment, her family’s garage was transformed into a space fit for a princess, complete with a make-up and nail vanity, a princess canopy bed with twinkling lights, and an arts and crafts station.

According to Cheyleia’s parents, Kaipo and Rhianna, the room became Cheyleia’s “happy place.” They thanked Nan, Inc. and the many community supporters who helped bring her princess bedroom to life: “Thank you for bringing light to my daughter. The smile on her face? That’s all you can wish for…truly a blessing.” 

For Nan, Inc. granting Cheyleia’s wish has become one of the team’s most treasured memories. As Nakaima reflects on the life-changing impact Nan, Inc.’s partnership has had on families like Cheyleia’s, he also looks toward the future: “It is truly humbling and a privilege being a small part in Make-A-Wish Hawaii’s noble cause, and with everyone’s help, we can continue to transform lives, one wish at a time!”

Make-A-Wish Hawaii would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Cheyleia’s family, who lost their beloved daughter and sister February 2022. Cheyleia inspired our entire Hawaii community with her strength and fighting spirit, and we will forever hold her memory in our hearts. Mahalo nui loa to all the dedicated supporters like Nan, Inc. who, by granting Cheyleia’s wish, gave her and her ‘ohana a special place to make treasured memories in the time they were able to share.