Maui residents have an opportunity to voice their opinions on proposed changes to the county's disaster recovery strategy. The County of Maui has opened up a public comment period for its Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan amendment. This comes with the county looking to more effectively solidify its ability to aid and rebuild in the wake of disasters. Interested parties can view the proposed updates and submit their feedback through the Hoʻokumu Hou website until February 17, 2026.
The action plan amendment looks to add several key updates aimed at expanding the county's disaster response initiatives. Notably, the County seeks to start to directly construct, market, and sell single-family homes under the Single-Family New Construction Program. According to the public notice, these proposed updates also include the reimbursement of certain pre-application costs, increased home reconstruction support, and the ability to acquire properties situated in high hazard-risk areas through a Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program. Additionally, there is a reallocation of funds suggested, shifting $5,440,000 from Administration to a new Planning program, with the goal of enhancing disaster preparedness and response effectiveness.
Details of the proposed amendment also include clarifying eligible activities, defining national objectives, identifying geographic areas for focus, laying out processes for exceptions, and setting max grant sizes. This information is available on the Hoʻokumu Hou website, alongside the public notice and an online comment form where feedback can be directly submitted.
Comments on the proposed changes can be made through several channels. Individuals can send their feedback via an online form, email their thoughts to [email protected], or send mail to the County of Maui Office of Recovery. For those favoring in-person interactions, visitation is welcome at the Lahaina and Kakoʻo Maui Resource Centers. All submissions will be compiled and sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the County, complete with responses to the comments received. Accommodations for accessibility can be requested through the same email [email protected] or by calling (808) 270-6267, with translation services available upon demand at (808) 865-4007.
