Yesterday, Governor Green announced that Maui residents displaced by last year’s wildfires may now apply for the state of Hawaiʻi Interim Housing Program (HIHP).
HIHP, which is managed by the Hawaiʻi Office of Recovery and Resiliency (HORR) in partnership with the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC). offers rapid and vital housing relief to affected households.
In a press release Governor Green said, “This program adds a new energy to the many initiatives we have launched as part of our supporting the recovery of Maui’s people from the wildfires. Every day, families and individuals have been able to leave temporary lodging in hotels to be placed in longer-term housing.”
The goal of this initiative is to provide as many options for the Maui survivors as possible, since each household has unique circumstances and needs. The properties have a mix of studio-, one-, two- and three-bedroom units and modular homes. The house lots are being designed mindfully, so multi-generational families can be clustered together to maintain a sense of community as our wildfire survivors continue their healing journey.
Households may qualify for HIHP if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Resided in Maui County before the disaster
- Were displaced from their primary residence due to the Maui wildfires
- Experienced disaster-related unemployment resulting in the loss of their home
HIHP includes several state-sponsored interim housing sites dedicated to Maui wildfire recovery, for example:
- Ka Laʻi Ola, currently in construction in West Maui, will offer up to 450 modular homes once completed
- Hale ‘O Lā‛ie (formerly the Haggai Institute in Kīhei) currently has more than 150 units
HIHP applicants may need to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of identity (no citizenship requirement)
- Proof of pre-disaster residency in Maui County
- Evidence of disaster caused income loss and inability to pay rent or mortgage resulting in the loss of your pre-disaster residence
- Documentation of any other assistance received related to the Maui fires
Applications should include all individuals intending to reside in the interim housing unit and specify any accommodation requests to ensure appropriate housing placement. While applying does not guarantee eligibility or placement, eligible households will be matched with available units based on their specific needs and the availability of suitable housing. All household members aged 18 and older must undergo a background check, with results evaluated on an individual and household basis.
For more information visit https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hawaiistaterecovers/ or call 1-808-727-1550.
AP Photo