The County of Maui has officially opened applications for the Hoʻokumu Hou housing programs, which are set to aid individuals and families affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. As of yesterday, Aug. 11, survivors who have suffered a loss of property and meet certain income criteria can now seek assistance to rebuild their homes or even become first-time homeowners. These initiatives are fueled by the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding and are designed to help the community members to start anew.
Three distinct programs are part of the newly launched Hoʻokumu Hou: the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program, the Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement Program, and the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program. Applicants need to submit various documents to be eligible, which include a government ID, proof of citizenship or legal residence, income verification, and home ownership and mortgage paperwork. As part of the application, it is also necessary to provide documentation of any assistance received to date. The programs also require participants to comply with terms that ensure the continued affordability and availability of the properties for those who qualify by income.
"The Hoʻokumu Hou program is here to help our families take the next step toward rebuilding and returning home," John Smith, County Office of Recovery administrator, asserted in a statement. He encourages impacted residents to apply, underlining that these resources were "designed for you — to bridge the gaps, ease the burden, and make sure you have a clear path forward," as mentioned on Maui County. The Hawaiian Council is also playing a pivotal role by managing cases and guiding community members throughout the application proceedings.
Kukui Keahi, associate director of Kākoʻo Maui Programs at Hawaiian Council, urged potential applicants to seek assistance. "If in doubt, please apply," Keahi told Maui County in an interview. "The application is very simple, and you'll have a great team behind you, helping you every step of the way." Interested parties can apply through the Hoʻokumu Hou website, download the new Maui Office of Recovery mobile app, or visit physical locations in Lahaina or Kahului.
For those wishing to apply in person, intake specialists are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment, at Lahaina Gateway and Maui Mall’s Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center. Scheduling appointments for application assistance is possible via the online form hosted on the program's official website, or by directly calling the center at (808) 865-4007. More comprehensive information regarding the CDBG-DR and the Hoʻokumu Hou programs can be found on the Maui County dedicated web page.
