Governor Josh Green has launched a new interim housing initiative for Maui residents affected by the devastating wildfires of last year. The announcement was made on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Governor's Office. The program aims to assist those who were displaced, offering them an opportunity for rapid housing relief by applying for state-funded housing projects. The initiative is part of a broader effort to aid in recovery post-wildfire and to support the community's needs for stabilization.
In the announcement, Governor Green highlighted the objective of the initiative, saying, “This program adds a new energy to the many initiatives we have launched as part of our supporting the recovery of Maui’s people from the wildfires,” Green also stressed the program's importance for providing options to accommodate the unique situations of affected households. These statements were backed by details in a report by Hawaii News Now, which mentioned two properties, Ka Lai Ola in West Maui with 450 temporary structures and Hale O Laie in Kihei with over 150 units, are designated as interim housing sites.
The state of Hawaii's Interim Housing Program, managed in collaboration with various local departments including the Department of Human Services and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, will oversee the allocation of these homes. The program's principal requirement for eligibility is one must have been a Maui County resident prior to the wildfires, displaced from a primary residence, and experienced unemployment linked to the disaster.
Application procedures for the HIHP require several documentation pieces, such as proof of identity and pre-disaster residency in Maui County. Dean Minakami, executive director of the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, told the Governor's Office, “We are happy for the opportunity to assist the Maui fire survivors by providing them housing options at Hale O Lā‛ie.” He also mentioned ongoing work with other agencies to provide interim affordable housing and the upcoming completion of permanent units in Lahaina.
Residents in need of assistance can apply without cost, and those who are placed in the interim housing will not be required to pay rent or utility bills through August 2025. For more details on how to apply for housing relief or to find information regarding eligibility and the application process, individuals can visit the dedicated website or call the provided hotline. Translation assistance is available for non-English speakers.
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