Kākoʻo Maui Offers Housing Programs for Wildfire Survivors

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August 8 marks one year since a massive wind-driven wildfire took 102 lives, destroyed more than 3,000 properties and caused about $5.5 billion in damage in Lahaina. It was the fifth deadliest wildfire in U.S. history and the worst natural disaster in Hawaiʻi’s history.

An estimated 9,800 people were displaced by the tragic event; some who were housed in non-congregate shelters (hotels) had to move nine times before that program ended last month.

Providing stable transitional housing for survivors whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the fire remains a key concern. “They deserve access to suitable housing; we need to keep our local community in place,” said Skye Razon-Olds, community engagement coordinator for the 501(c)3 nonprofit Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).

“As part of our Kākoʻo Maui initiative, we are spearheading three programs to assist with this. These programs are open to anyone impacted by the fire; participants do not have to be of Native Hawaiian descent.”

Lease Program

• CNHA negotiates rental rates with homeowners. When an agreement is reached, the homeowners lease their property directly to CNHA, which sublets it to fire-impacted families that have been vetted.
• Owners receive guaranteed rent payments from CNHA as part of a 12-month contract.
• CNHA places survivors and provides financial counseling, appliances, furniture (if needed) and an initial allotment of supplies.

The Lease Program is funded by the American Red Cross, Maui County, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, San Manuel Band of Indians, Target and private donations. Most of the properties in the program were previously used as short-term rentals (i.e., vacation homes or bed-and-breakfasts), which commanded higher rates.

Prices for the program’s inventory of long-term rentals are closer to HUD market rates. Average monthly rents range from $4,313 for a studio/one-bedroom unit to $6,300 for a four-bedroom house. At press time, CNHA had 109 agreements with property owners, enabling 287 people to be housed.

“Survivors can count on CNHA to pay their rent on time while they wait for FEMA or insurance money, which can take 30 to 90 days to arrive,” said Razon-Olds. “The hope is for survivors to stay in the unit after the 12-month period is up, which is why the CNHA team negotiates rates as low as possible.”

Host Housing Support Program

• Homeowners (hosts) allow fire-impacted family or friends to move into their home. They apply for the Host Housing Support Program together.
• CNHA pays qualifying hosts directly.
• Hosts receive a monthly stipend of $500 per person up to a maximum of four (or $2,000) to cover anything from the increase in cost of utilities, groceries and needed home improvements such as installing shower grab bars.

This program has been funded by the American Red Cross and Hawai’i Community Foundation in partnership with Maui County through November. To date, 438 people are living in 251 approved households.

“It’s important to note that in order to qualify, the hosts cannot ask the survivors to pay rent,” said Razon-Olds. “Tents and temporary shelters aren’t eligible, and the survivors must have access to a bathroom, a kitchen and a safe sleeping area.”

Affordable Rental Units

The State of Hawaiʻi, County of Maui, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, FEMA and the American Red Cross collaborated to fund and build two communities of affordable rental units for wildlife survivors. CNHA is overseeing the development and management of Ke Ao Maluhia in Kahului and Laʻikū in Lahainaluna.

Both developments have welcomed their first tenants, although they are still under construction. When completed by October, Ke Ao Maluhia will have 50 modular homes and Laʻikū will have 16 modular homes, all measuring just under 600 square feet.

• Minimum occupancy is two people; maximum is five.
• Units come with appliances thanks to the generosity of partners and sponsors such as Convoy of Hope. CNHA provides as much furniture as funding allows.
• Monthly rent is $1,850, which can be paid from personal funds or FEMA or insurance rental assistance.
• The rent includes trash pick-up and water and sewer fees up to $75 for both per month.

“Having a stable home environment is a vital part of survivors’ recovery process,” said Razon-Olds. “Tenants have peace of mind knowing they have a safe, comfortable place to live while they rebuild their house or find a permanent alternative.”