Housing for Maui Wildfire survivors is a major focus as the state recovers from last year’s fires.
Here’s what’s happening:
- The state is building 450 new housing units at the Ka La’i Ola project.
- Nearby, FEMA is setting up 169 modular units at the Kilohana development.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is also involved. They are planning to build 66 modular units in Lahainaluna and Central Maui through two projects called La’ikū and Ke Ao Maluhia. Applications are now open for these new units.
The Conversation interviewed CNHA CEO Kūhiō Lewis about these temporary housing solutions for Maui survivors.
Urgent Need for Mid-Term Housing Solutions for Maui Wildfire Survivors
Kūhiō Lewis explained that Maui had a housing problem even before the wildfire. There’s a need for housing for various purposes, like for teachers and workers, and this need continues after the fires. The new homes being built are specifically for wildfire survivors, using funds raised for that purpose.
Lewis is confident that the number of new homes being built by the governor, CNHA, and others will meet the demand. Initially, people affected by the fires were staying in hotels, then moved to short-term rentals or one-year leases. Now, they need more stable housing.
The new homes are meant for mid-term use, not permanent. They are designed to support people for up to five years as they transition from temporary housing to permanent solutions. The goal is to eventually help them return to their own land or find a permanent home.
Enhancing Fire Resistance in Modular Units for Maui Wildfire Survivors
Kūhiō Lewis highlighted a major concern: ensuring that the new homes for wildfire survivors are fire-resistant. After the trauma they’ve experienced, it’s crucial to provide safe, fire-resistant housing.
Lewis mentioned that while mobile homes are commonly used in other places for temporary housing, they aren’t practical for Hawaiʻi. Having thousands of mobile homes on the island would be unmanageable.
Instead, they explored various modular options and learned from other recovery efforts. They assessed different modular solutions and worked with several companies to meet the high demand for housing.
Impact of the Fire: How Housing for All Maui Residents Has Been Affected
Kūhiō Lewis explained that efforts are being made to ensure the new homes are as safe as possible for wildfire survivors. He noted that many survivors from Lahaina and Kula are now occupying long-term rentals that would otherwise be available to residents from other areas like Kahului. This has led to a tight housing market and increased multi-generational living in single homes.
The wildfire has had a widespread impact across the entire island, not just in the affected areas of Lahaina and Kula. With limited housing inventory available for others, the whole county feels the strain. The quicker the new homes are ready, the more stable the housing situation will be for everyone in the county.
Maui Fire Uncovers Deeper Housing Issues Beyond Immediate Damage
Kūhiō Lewis mentioned that he was surprised to learn that 30% of Maui’s housing was used as short-term rentals. If they had known this earlier, they might have pushed for changes sooner. The Maui fire has highlighted some difficult policies and practices that need to be fixed. It’s prompting a statewide review of these issues and encouraging actions to better support and address the housing problems affecting everyone.
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