A new partnership will help middle-income families who lost their homes in the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfires rebuild. These families usually don’t qualify for federal disaster recovery grants, but continue to face financial burdens to rebuilding.
On Monday, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced the Deferred Payment Loan Program will launch this summer.
"This is about ensuring everyone has a path forward," Bissen said in a news release. "Our community deserves a recovery that reaches all — from our most vulnerable residents to the middle-class families who may not qualify for federal aid but still need support to rebuild their homes and lives. This partnership is a commitment to them."
The new program was developed by County of Maui, Hawaii Community Foundation, Maui United Way, and Hawaii Community Lending, and it builds on the foundation laid by the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program.
In April 2024, HCF’s Maui Strong Fund awarded a $5 million grant to Hawaii Community Lending to set in motion the LHRP. The nonprofit financial institution helped homeowners to prevent foreclosure and with financing by connecting them with insurance adjusters, filing insurance claims, and helping them access grants and financing. That groundwork laid the foundation for this County-led program.
"From the earliest days after the wildfire, the Maui Strong Fund has supported efforts to ensure affected families have the resources and support needed,” said Keanu Lau Hee, Senior Director, Maui Recovery Effort. “As recovery progresses, needs continue to evolve — and this collaboration with the County and our nonprofit partners reflects a commitment to adapt and respond in ways that meet those needs."
The new DPLP program will look at how property expenses can be reduced, make connections with affordable construction services, negotiate with mortgage services to prevent foreclosure, and help find funding to rebuild homes. As part of the partnership, leaders will also pinpoint resources for homeowners to include fire-resistant protections during rebuilding, and support protections through homeowners insurance. The County said it would release more details about how the program will work when it launches this summer.
