On August 8th, 2023, devastating wildfires hit three cities on the island of Maui; Kula, Kihei and Lahaina.

Amongst the three, the most devastating occurred in Historic Lahaina where thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed resulting in families, businesses and communities losing everything overnight. Much of Lahaina has been virtually wiped out.

Many homes on Maui are multigenerational households, common given Hawaii’s housing crisis. The disaster left thousands of residents displaced, including our very own partner families. The Lahaina wildfires wiped away all 10 homes our team, partner families, volunteers and community built in Kahoma Residential Subdivision. 

The destruction caused by these fires is truly heartbreaking. Habitat for Humanity Maui stands with the community and is committed to supporting those affected by the disaster. Together, we will (re)build homes, communities and hope.

We understand that many fire survivors are facing financial challenges, from being underinsured to using insurance funds to pay off existing mortgages. Habitat Maui is here to help with three programs designed to make rebuilding as affordable and accessible as possible.

gap funding

• Up to $100,000 in a forgivable grant loan to help cover funding gaps for rebuilding with a traditional contractor. 
• Loan forgiveness: 10% per year over 10 years. If the homeowner stays in the home for 10 years, the loan is fully forgiven. 
• Eligibility:
  • Household income must be at or below 100% of the Maui County area median income (AMI).
  • Homeowners must have approved permits and a licensed contractor. 
  • Funds are paid directly to the contractor during the final draw phase. 
• If the homeowner sells before 10 years, the remaining loan balance must be repaid. 

reconstruction

• If gap funding isn’t an option, eligible homeowners may be able to rebuild through Habitat Maui with a 0% interest, 30-year mortgage. 
• Monthly mortgage payments are income-based, ensuring homeowners spend no more than 30% of their income on housing. 
• Eligibility: 
  • Household income must be at or below 100% of the Maui County area median income.
  • Willingness to complete kokua (partner) hours with family and friends. 
  • Ability to repay a 30-year mortgage. 
• Habitat builds primarily with volunteer labor, which may extend the construction timeline compared to traditional builders. If time is a priority, we recommend exploring gap funding first.

repairs

• For those whose homes were damaged by smoke and ash but not destroyed.
• Next steps: 
  1. Contact Hawai’i Community Lending (HCL) for smoke remediation.
  2. Once the damage is professionally mitigated, Habitat Maui may be able to assist with window replacements, flooring, drywall repairs, and other damages caused by the fires.

 We’re here to help you return home quickly and affordably! Contact us at [email protected] or 808-242-1140 to explore your options. 

Pictured above: Habitat homes in Kahoma Residential Subdivision, completed in 2020

How can you help?

Donate
Make a donation directly to Habitat for Humanity Maui’s disaster relief efforts. As soon as it is safe and feasible, Habitat for Humanity Maui will be there to help underserved families rebuild their homes and we will need financial help. You may donate directly to this cause by credit card by clicking the button below: 

When making your donation online, please note in the “+ Write a note (Optional)” section: Wildfire

You may also donate by check, payable to Habitat for Humanity Maui, and mail to:

Habitat for Humanity Maui
Disaster Relief
1162 Lower Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793

Volunteer
It will take many hands and power to rebuild our community. Although we are not ready to have boots on the ground quite yet, we will need many volunteers once Lahaina is ready for us, so let’s be prepared! To be added to our list of volunteers, you  may submit your information here: Disaster Relief Volunteer List. You will receive updates, progress and any volunteer opportunities directly for this cause.

Questions?

Please call our office at (808) 242-1140 or email [email protected].

PC: County of Maui Facebook

PC: ABC 7 News Facebook