Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The County’s CDBG-DR Action Plan allocates $288,579,950 to this program.

The  Ho`okumu Hou Single-Family Reconstruction Program provides funding to homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed by the Maui Wildfires in August 2023. The program helps rebuild safe, decent, and resilient housing, ensuring compliance with current building codes and mitigation standards.

Yes, the maximum amount of assistance is based on several factors, including cost reasonableness determinations, program limitations and unmet need after accounting for any duplication of benefits (e.g., FEMA, insurance, SBA, etc.) but the assistance amount will never exceed $1,200,000.

No. Under the program, homeowners do not select their own contractor/builder. To ensure compliance with federal procurement rules, construction standards, and cost reasonableness requirements, the program uses a pool of pre-qualified, competitively procured contractors. These contractors/builders are assigned to projects by the program. The program enters into contracts directly with the selected builder/contractors and pays the builder/contractor on behalf of the homeowner.

If you’ve already completed repairs, you may apply for our Ho`okumu Hou Single-Family Reimbursement Program, which may provide reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses paid for eligible costs associated with the reconstruction of your destroyed property. 

    If you have started any construction work but have not completed, you will need to fully complete reconstruction and receive a completion inspection (Certificate of Occupancy) before you can apply for the Reimbursement Program.

At this time, condominium complexes are not eligible for assistance under the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program. The current program guidelines restrict funding to eligible single-family, owner-occupied structures. 

Applicants to the program must meet the following criteria: 1.) must have owned the destroyed property on 8/8/23 and must still own the property; 2.) must have occupied that property as their primary residence on 8/8/23; 3.)The destroyed property must be located within the burn zone; 4.) The destroyed property must be an eligible single-family home; 5.) The applicant must be current on property taxes or on a payment plan; 5.) If there is a mortgage on the property, it must in good standing, in forbearance, or on a payment plan; and 6.) the applicant’s combined household income must be at or below 140% of the area median income, adjusted for family size (household refers to all individuals who intend to occupy the assisted property).

Applicants will need to provide: 1.) Proof of ownership at the time of the disaster and current proof of ownership; 2.) Photo ID for all adult household members, birth certificates for all minors; 3.) Most recent mortgage statement, if applicable; 4.) Proof of income for all adult household members.

Likely not. The reconstruction is based on program design standards, which prioritize functional, code-compliant homes. While efforts are made to accommodate reasonable preferences, reconstructed homes are often standardized models to control costs and ensure efficiency.  The program endeavors to provide homes that are of a similar square footage as the permitted square footage of the pre-fire primary dwelling.

That assistance will be reviewed and deducted from your eligible award to avoid duplication of benefits. If you received funds but did not use them for housing repair, you may be required to return those funds or apply them to the reconstruction.

Timelines vary, but from application approval to project completion, it can take several months to over a year, depending on several factors including environmental reviews, permitting, and construction materials availability.    

You must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident.

Tax consequences are complex and depend heavily on individual circumstances. Individuals and businesses receiving CDBG-DR assistance are strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance regarding their specific situation. 

Applicants may only apply to one program, as you will likely qualify for only one program. If you qualify for the HRRP program, you will not meet the requirements for the HOP program because if you are a homeowner, then by definition you are not a first-time homebuyer.