Habitat for Humanity Builds Mass Timber Volunteer Housing in Lahaina
Habitat for Humanity is constructing its first mass timber home in Lahaina to house volunteers helping with fire recovery efforts. The modular structure will later be sold as affordable housing once rebuilding is complete. The three-bedroom ‘Bunkhouse’ uses pre-manufactured laminated wood panels for quick assembly and energy efficiency. The home will house volunteers in bunk […]
Maui County Opens Comment Period for Disaster Recovery Buyout Program Changes
Maui County is seeking public input through July 1 on proposed amendments to its disaster recovery plan that would modify the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program. The changes include setting maximum assistance amounts and creating prioritization criteria for applicants. Public comment period runs through July 1 for proposed disaster recovery plan amendments. Changes would establish […]
Submarine Tours Return to Lahaina Harbor After Three-Year Fire Closure
Atlantis Submarines Maui has resumed undersea tours from Lahaina Harbor nearly three years after the August 2023 wildfire destroyed the company’s facilities and equipment. Multiple sources report the company has restarted operations five days a week using a submarine transported from Oahu and has rehired 15 former employees. The August 2023 wildfire destroyed Atlantis’s 48-passenger […]
Habitat for Humanity Tests New Mass Timber Building System in Lahaina
A new mass timber ‘Bunkhouse’ is being built in Lahaina as a volunteer housing facility and prototype for faster, more affordable post-disaster construction. The prefabricated system is designed to speed up the rebuilding process while providing sustainable housing solutions. The Bunkhouse will house volunteers helping with Lahaina rebuilding efforts and is expected to be completed […]
Maui County Seeks Input on Wildfire Buyout Program Changes
Maui County is accepting public comments through July 1 on proposed changes to its disaster recovery buyout program for fire-affected properties. The updates include setting maximum assistance amounts and new prioritization criteria. Public comment period runs through July 1, 2026 for changes to the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program. Proposed updates include establishing maximum assistance […]
First Lahaina Family Moves Into Rebuilt Home Through Recovery Program
Valerie Hoʻopai and her family returned to a newly constructed home in Lahaina after nearly three years, marking the first completion under a wildfire recovery program that helps survivors transition into rebuilt homes. The Hoʻopai family became the first to complete Hoʻōla LTRG’s House to Home Program, which helps wildfire survivors transition into rebuilt homes. […]
First Lahaina Family Moves Into Rebuilt Home After 2023 Wildfire
A Lahaina family displaced by the 2023 wildfires has moved into their newly rebuilt home after nearly three years, marking the first completion of a recovery program that helps furnish rebuilt homes. Valerie Hoʻopai and her family returned to their rebuilt Lahaina home after being displaced for nearly three years by the August 2023 wildfires. […]
County Seeks Public Input on Disaster Recovery Buyout Program Changes
Maui County has opened a public comment period for proposed updates to its Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery program. Multiple sources report the changes focus on the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program and establish new criteria for property assistance. Public comment period runs from June 1 through July 1, 2026, for the County’s second […]
FEMA Updates Housing Rules, 569 Rebuild Permits Issued for Fire Survivors
FEMA released new guidance on temporary housing payments and maintenance requirements for wildfire survivors, while 569 rebuild permits have been issued with 310 homes currently under construction. A Housing & Resource Fair will be held June 6 at Royal Lahaina Resort to connect survivors with housing programs and rental listings. FEMA temporary housing residents must […]
Lahaina Harbor Dredging Project Begins Monday, Running Through December
A dredging project to remove sediment from Lahaina Small Boat Harbor starts Monday and will run through December 2026. The project will restore proper depths for boats while disposing of any wildfire debris at the landfill. Dredging will deepen the harbor entrance to 13 feet and basin to 10 feet to improve vessel access. All […]