LAHAINA, Hawaii — Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday that four families moved into newly completed housing units along Lahainaluna Road nearly a year after the Lahaina wildfire destroyed their homes.
The Laiku temporary housing project will include 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units, which are 560 sq. ft. each, and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2024.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation previously acquired the two acres of land that the housing project is built on as part of the Lahaina Bypass project.
The Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund, along with the state, funded the $3.9 million project.
The project was developed by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, which has a five-year revocable permit to use the HDOT parcel at no cost.
"The space was named Laiku, which means 'a calming space,' a fitting name for families affected by the wildfires, some of whom have moved six or seven times," said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of CNHA, in a statement. "This project represents hope for Lahaina and demonstrates the power of community organizations working alongside the government."
Tenants will pay $1,750 a month for rent, which includes water and sewer services up to $75 per month and trash removal. The wildfire survivors can pay through personal funds, rental assistance from FEMA, or insurance proceeds.
Applicants for Laiku housing may be submitted online or by visiting the CNHA Kakoo Maui Resource Center at Maui Mall.