Mayor Richard Bissen announced the launch of the Deferred Payment Loan Program to assist middle-income homeowners in Lahaina affected by the wildfires. The program, developed in collaboration with Maui County, Hawai'i Community Foundation, Maui United Way, and Hawai'i Community Lending, will support homeowners who do not qualify for federal disaster funding, according to the County of Maui.
Mayor Bissen stated, "This is about ensuring everyone has a path forward," referring to a recovery plan designed to support a broad range of residents, including those with income levels outside typical aid brackets. The program addresses various challenges homeowners face, including reducing property survey costs, securing affordable construction services, preventing foreclosures through collaboration with mortgage providers, and aiding in insurance and rebuilding efforts to make homes more fire-resistant. Keanu Lau Hee, Senior Director of the Maui Recovery Effort at the Hawai'i Community Foundation, noted, "From the earliest days after the wildfire, the Maui Strong Fund has supported efforts to ensure affected families have the resources and support needed." A $5 million grant from the Maui Strong Fund to Hawaiʻi Community Lending in April helped connect homeowners with insurance adjusters and provided technical assistance to access grants and loans, as reported by the County of Maui.
The Deferred Payment Loan Program will begin in the summer to assist Lahaina homeowners affected by the wildfires. Jeff Gilbreath, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Community Lending, stated, "This partnership shows what's possible when community voices are heard and nonprofits, philanthropy, and government come together around a shared solution that meets families where they are." Jeeyun Lee of Maui United Way said, "By working together, we ensure that no one is left behind—especially middle-income homeowners who often don't qualify for traditional aid but are still struggling to rebuild." Mayor Bissen added, "This initiative is rooted in kuleana. We're stepping up with compassion, accountability, and unity to ensure our Lahaina families can return home." Affected homeowners can sign up for Hawai'i Community Lending's Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program through their website, as mentioned by the County of Maui.
.jpg){kind=link}