HONOLULU -- A Japanese real estate tycoon has chosen the first native Hawaiian family to move into one of his million-dollar homes on Kahala Avenue. The family is scheduled to move in, in January.

Genshiro Kawamoto, 74, kept asking KITV reporter Jodi Leong if she understood what was in his heart. He said he wants to help hardworking Native Hawaiian people who are struggling to raise their families. He also said he would like to diversify the exclusive Kahala neighborhood.

[CG :Name Super and Title\Genshiro Kawamoto\Real Estate Tycoon]

The billionaire has collected a string of homes on Kahala Avenue.

"I have 22 houses already, and I'm not going to use all the houses," Kawamoto said through an interpreter.

He said he plans to rent out nine homes to Native Hawaiian families for $150 to $200 a month.

He showed KITV four of the homes. One is a colonial-style home with four bedrooms, another has Tudor architecture with three bedrooms. There is a four-bedroom home with a guest cottage and a three-bedroom home with a tennis court.

KITV asked Kawamoto why is he giving the ultra-low rent?

"The town is so exclusive -- just pushing Hawaiian people away," he said. "I would like to keep it more open. and i wish to have more of the Polynesian atmosphere."

Kawamoto said he would like the nine selected families to have neighborhood luaus, host visitors and recreate the community's image. The homeowner said he is looking for Native Hawaiians with large, extended families currently living in small homes.

"People who don't have many chances to succeed, but very serious, hardworking people," Kawamoto said.

The billionaire was vague about how the families can pay him back for the generosity.

"In case something happens, if they could come to help me out that's all I would ask for," he said.

Some area residents hope their new neighbors will help Kawamoto maintain his properties. A few have complained his homes are unkempt.

A few dead palm fronds and some weeds, even a broken mailbox can be seen at some of the properties.

Kawamoto insisted that he will maintain his properties and even pay for utilities --- so Native Hawaiian families can thrive in Kahala.

"It belongs to everybody," he said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing them grow."

Kawamoto said also plans to turn his ocean side properties into European and Asian museums.

Native Hawaiian families who are interested in applying for the homes can send a letter to: Genshiro Kawamoto
P.O. BOX 15547
Honolulu, HI 96830