Ke Ao Maluhia will provide 50 homes to Maui wildfire survivors

Kahului, Maui - In a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of the Maui wildfire survivors, Governor Josh Green, M.D., was joined today by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen; Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) Senior Vice President of Maui Recovery Lauren Nahme, and K?hi? Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), to present keys to the first family who will call Ke Ao Maluhia at Maui Lani, home.

“This is a day of progress for all of us, but most importantly, for the survivors of the tragic Maui wildfires,” said Governor Green. “Building affordable housing has always been a priority for me, but since August 8 and for our Maui residents in particular, its importance has become even more critical. Presenting actual keys to an ‘ohana today brings hope and healing beyond words.”

Located in Kahului, Ke Ao Maluhia is a collaborative effort between the state of Hawai‘i, Maui County, HCF, CNHA, FEMA, and the American Red Cross. The first phase, set to be completed in June, includes 34 homes. An additional 16 homes, for a total of 50, will be completed in July.

“This is another clear example of our commitment to support the needs of our displaced survivors, and evidence that through collaborative and innovative partnerships, we can do great things,” said County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “We are making progress, and we will continue to work with our state, federal and private partners in addressing Maui County’s recovery efforts.”

“All of us at HCF mahalo the generosity of more than 250,000 donors from 76 countries around the world who leaned in to support Maui and made Ke Ao Maluhia possible,” said HCF President and CEO Micah K?ne. “We will continue to foster collaborative partnerships to deliver on the needs of survivors now and in the long-term?.”

The project’s cost is just under $9 million and is being developed and managed by CNHA on land owned by Maui County. Wrap-around services, including financial literacy, will be provided by CNHA’s K?ko?o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center.

“Today marks the strength of partnerships and is a testament to what can be achieved when government, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and the community work together,” said CNHA CEO K?hi? Lewis. “Delivering the first home at Ke Ao Maluhia through the Maui Interim Housing Plan is a significant milestone for families and a clear indication of our collective commitment to addressing Maui’s housing crisis.”

The modular homes are each just under 600 square feet with two bedrooms. To apply, residents must be verified as impacted by the Maui wildfires. There is no income limit. Monthly rent is set at $2,500 and will include water, sewer, and trash collection. Minimum occupancy per unit is two persons, with maximum occupancy set at five persons per unit. Dogs and cats are permitted. For more information and details on how to apply, please visit www.helpingmaui.org.

Labor support for the project is being provided by the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters with furniture donated by Convoy for Hope.

Officially announced in January, the Maui Interim Housing Plan outlines a phased approach to delivering housing, prioritizing options that produce permanent housing, efficient use of funds, and readiness for move-in by survivors. The plan includes various strategies such as residents returning to original unharmed residences, the Host Housing Support Program, direct leasing, short-term rental transitions to long-term rentals, and new permanent developments.

Images from today’s event, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.

The news conference can be viewed here.