Homeowner Support Programs
Rebuilding in Lahaina
“Without a plan to support the economy building is almost futile. Families still won’t be able to afford to pay bills without income and will be forced to sell or lose homes. Owner occupied homes need to be a priority.”
Community Quote from Long-Term Planning Recovery Survey
Purpose
Homeowners are experiencing long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic, which have been exacerbated by wildfires. There is a need to increase long-term housing options within the County to assist displaced families after the wildfires. Programs are needed to support financial assistance for affected homeowners and increase available new housing units for Maui residents with the goal to preserve community stability and facilitate effective recovery.
Project Description
These programs will continue to expand ongoing projects and efforts already in place to assist residents experiencing financial concerns. Homeowners displaced by the wildfires will be eligible for these redeveloped programs. Programs will be open to homeowners displaced by the wildfires and will build off the Maui Homeowner’s Assistance Fund (MHAF), which is a COVID-19 assistance program designed to provide mortgage and other qualified housing expense assistance now being offered to homeowners displaced by the August 2023 wildfires. It includes the ʻOhana Assistance Program, which launched July 1, 2024, to provide grants to County homeowners up to $100,000 to defray the cost of design and construction of an attached or detached ʻohana unit to owner-occupied grant applicants.
Homes in County of Maui
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
Continuation and expansion of the programs will require additional funding sources. County staff and project partners will be necessary to effectively manage programs and grant requirements.
Next Steps
- Program objectives, funding opportunities and homeowner support needs should be regularly reassessed
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
TBD
Existing Funding Sources:
Project Lead:
- County Department of Housing
Potential Funding Sources:
- County, State and federal
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- Local community groups
Project Partners:
- State of Hawaiʻi
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- Local community groups
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.5 Safe, healthy, livable communities for all
- Action 5.15 Obtain funding and implement the expansion of proven housing programs that help residents attain sustainable housing