News Flash

The deadline to submit comments on the County of Maui’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan Substantial Amendment 1 has been extended to March 3, 2026.

A public notice for the County’s first substantial amendment to the Action Plan was posted on the Hoʻokumu Hou website on Jan. 16, 2026. On Jan. 30, the amendment was updated and reposted, along with an updated public notice. In accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, the mandatory 30-day public comment period has now been extended from its previous deadline of Feb. 17.

To view the substantial amendment and public notice, and to provide comment on the amendment, visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov.

During an important presentation before the Hawai’i State Legislature today, Jan. 26, 2026, Mayor Richard Bissen highlighted Maui County’s shift last year from recovery to crucial housing delivery, key infrastructure investments, strengthening the economy and supporting public safety.

Nearly 450 housing units (427 units to date) have been fully constructed in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires. Also, in highlighting his commitment to kamaʻāina housing countywide and keeping all residents in Maui County, Mayor Bissen said that more than 500 affordable and workforce homes were fully constructed in 2025, with over 600 additional homes estimated to be completed in 2026.

Combined with recovery-related housing, approximately 3,000 affordable and workforce homes are projected to be built countywide by 2030. More than 700 homes are under construction today.

“During my administration thus far, we have allocated over a quarter of a billion dollars toward affordable housing, supporting the development of 2,883 affordable units,” Mayor Bissen told the House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means during the joint informational briefing at the State Capitol in Honolulu.

The committees are the primary panels responsible for financial legislation, state budget formulation (operating and capital improvement projects), and tax measures. Members heard from the four County mayors today on their progress and their asks.

Mayor Bissen outlined his deliverables on countywide housing projects, such as investing in critical infrastructure that helps housing and a federally funded housing program for all Maui County residents.

“In the near term, more than $1 billion in infrastructure investment is anticipated to support housing development, including over $500 million in disaster recovery funds committed to water source and system improvements, expanded wastewater capacity, and critical transportation and drainage projects,” Mayor Bissen said. “Together, these investments are building the backbone needed to support new homes for Maui County’s families.”

Mayor Bissen emphasized the importance of strengthening Maui’s economy as recovery continues. With strong momentum underway to rebuild homes and help families return, the County is now advancing efforts to restore Front Street and support the return of commercial activity. 

The reopening of limited commercial operations and daytime public access at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor reflects this focus, helping harbor-based businesses and tour operators safely resume service while repairs continue. To support this transition, the County has provided security, fencing, parking ambassadors and enforcement, wayfinding, and targeted community outreach — demonstrating a commitment to restoring commercial activity alongside ongoing recovery.

The presentation also outlined the State of Hawaiʻi requests to the County of Maui for nearly $220 million in County funding for State projects, including the following:

•    Lahaina Bypass: In recognition of its importance to recovery, the State of Hawai’i has requested a $100 million contribution from the County as part of a broader County and State recovery partnership.•    Front Street Apartments: The State has requested approximately $96 million from the County in FY 2026, and the County has confirmed with the development team that the project’s application has been reviewed and is eligible up to the amount requested.•    The State has also requested an additional $20 million from County general funds in FY 2028, which the County of Maui administration supports, subject to Council review and approval.•    Hale ‘O Lā‘ie workforce housing project: The State has requested, and the County is proposing, $2.5 million in County funds in FY 2027 to assist the State in covering operating expenditures for this facility through February 2027.

Mayor Bissen is asking the state for $10.5 million for the Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is crucial to supporting Central Maui’s growth, housing development and long-term wastewater capacity, among other critical State support and funds.

“As we look ahead to 2026, we are focused on continued partnership with the State to accelerate housing delivery, strengthen emergency readiness and wildfire mitigation, and advance infrastructure resilience,” Mayor Bissen told the committees. “Mahalo for your continued support of our residents, and we remain committed to delivering measurable results together.”

To view the full presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDbTL59YEo4.

Proposed updates to the County of Maui’s Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, a public notice for the County’s first substantial amendment to the Action Plan was posted on the website on Jan. 16, 2026, and the public comment period is open now through Feb. 17, 2026.

A summary of all proposed updates is listed in the public notice. The public notice, full substantial amendment, and comment form are all available on www.hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov.

The proposed updates include:

•    Addition of the reimbursement of pre-application costs of homeowners as an eligible activity to the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program, allowing the County to concurrently serve construction/reconstruction applicants and reimbursement-only applicants•    Allowing the County to directly construct, market and sell single-family homes under the Single-Family New Construction Program•    Addition of the Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program to the Mitigation Set-Aside, allowing the County to strategically acquire high hazard-risk properties•    Reallocation of $5,440,000 from Administration funds to a newly created Planning program•    Clarification of various program details, such as eligible activities, national objectives, geographic areas, processes for exceptions, and max grant sizes

Comments and questions regarding the substantial amendment may be submitted in the following ways:

•    Via the online form on www.hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov •    By email to cdbg-dr@mauicounty.gov•    By mail to the County of Maui, Office of Recovery, c/o CDBG-DR, 200 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793•    In-person at the Lahaina Resource Center located at 325 Keawe St., Suite 102B, Lahaina, or Kakoʻo Maui Resource Center located at 153 Kamehameha Ave., Suite 101, Kahului

The County will consolidate all public comments and submit them to HUD along with the Action Plan documents and the County’s responses to those comments.

To request an accessibility accommodation, email cdbg-dr@mauicounty.gov or call (808) 270-6267. Translation of the public notice may be requested by calling (808) 865-4007.

Application deadline extended to August 2026

Home design renderings and floor plans for the Hoʻokumu Hou Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website, and the application deadline has been extended through August 2026, the County of Maui Office of Recovery has announced.

“These designs reflect our commitment to rebuilding homes that feel familiar, resilient, and rooted in the Lahaina community,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “By making these designs available and extending the application period, we’re helping homeowners see a clear path forward to rebuilding and returning home.”

The Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program, which is funded by Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, provides up to $1.2 million in assistance to eligible homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed by the 2023 Maui wildfires to help them rebuild and return home.

Twelve home design options are offered to meet the needs of different ‘ohana. The designs were developed with Lahaina in mind, balancing Firewise construction with forms and layouts familiar to the community. Floor plan selection will be based on the permitted square footage to the original dwelling prior to the fire, with comparable bedrooms and bathrooms.

“This HUD funding positions the County to make meaningful, countywide progress in addressing Maui’s housing crisis—both in support of wildfire recovery and long-term housing needs,” said Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith. “By leveraging the policies, programs, and internal capacity now in place, the County can catalyze housing production, accelerate delivery and support partners in increasing the supply of housing so local families can continue to live and thrive in our community.”

Interested homeowners can view the floor plans and apply for the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program at http://hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov/, or visit the resource centers in Kahului and Lahaina. The deadline to apply for this program, as well as the Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement Program, have been extended to Aug. 31, 2026.

Through a competitive bidding process, Goodfellow Bros. has been selected to be the overall construction lead for the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program, and will lead a team of local architects, engineers and builders.

The intended award of the construction contract with Goodfellow Bros. is contingent upon completion of the required environmental review pursuant to 24 CFR Part 58 and the County’s receipt of an “Authority to Use Grant Funds” from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). No contract will be executed, and no project work will commence until the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental assessment and associated reviews are successfully completed, and HUD authorizes the use of the CDBG-DR grant funds for this project. All funding for this project remains subject to these federal requirements, and any choice-limiting actions (such as final contract execution, site disturbance or construction) are prohibited before environmental clearance and HUD’s approval are obtained. Should the required environmental clearance not be obtained or if HUD declines to authorize the use of grant funds for this project, this Notice of Intent to Award may be rescinded and no contract will be awarded under RFP 25-26/P-57. Conversely, upon satisfaction of the contingency conditions and resolution of any protests, the County will proceed to finalize the contract with the successful offeror.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery, in collaboration with Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society (HMPS), is hosting Hot Kūpuna Nights on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom.

The afternoon will feature live music by Kuʻuipo Kumukahi and Friends and will be hosted by Alakaʻi Paleka. Light dinner and refreshments will be provided. The event is free and family-friendly, with free parking  available. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

HMPS, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving mele Hawaiʻi and fostering intergenerational connection, has successfully hosted Hot Kūpuna Nights on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island.

Building on the success of November’s inaugural event on Maui, Hot Kūpuna Nights offers Lahaina kūpuna and their ʻohana a welcoming space to connect with wildfire recovery resources while enjoying live Hawaiian music, dance and fellowship.

Program specialists and representatives from the Office of Recovery and its Hoʻokumu Hou program, as well as local nonprofit organizations such as Pono Legal and Na Hoaloha, will be on site to answer questions and connect with kūpuna and their families. 

Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYouQQy3Qcn8-mLIjRSwKrxTtXzWGI2lywhakrde3ZWq5i9w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109578874769836406847

or at www.mauirecovers.org/events; however, walk-ins are welcome. 

Marking a significant chapter in rebuilding, the County of Maui Office of Recovery announced that eight families received First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program shopping letters today, which allow them to begin shopping for a house within their approved price range.

Five families gathered at the Kako'o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center in Kahului this morning to receive and sign the letters from County of Maui leaders. Another three recently signed the documents.

“Today marks an important step for our community, as eight families begin their pathway to homeownership as first-time buyers following the 2023 wildfires,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “Thanks to the incredible work of our County Office of Recovery and CDBG-DR program, we’ve developed innovative pathways like Ho'okumu Hou to connect survivors with real resources and help them secure a place to call home. Seeing these families take this step brings a deep sense of gratitude and hope for all of us.”

Once families receive a shopping letter, they have six months to identify and secure a home that meets program guidelines. Ho'okumu Hou program specialists continue to support applicants through this process — from identifying eligible properties to coordinating with lenders and title companies.

Although First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program applications are no longer being accepted, program specialists continue to review applications daily. Each application is sorted by priority phase:

● Phase I: Households whose primary residence on Aug. 8, 2023, was within the burn zone and whose annual income is equal to or less than 80% AMI.

● Phase II: Households within the burn zone with income between 80% and 120% AMI.

● Phase III: Households outside the burn zone with income equal to or less than 80% AMI.

● Phase IV: Remaining applicants with verified eligibility once prior phases have been served.

Within each priority phase, applications are reviewed and awarded using a “first come, first ready” approach, meaning that applications advance as soon as they are complete and verified. A “first ready” date is recorded once all required documentation is submitted, securing each applicant’s place in the queue. This approach ensures assistance is distributed equitably while prioritizing those most impacted by the fires. As more applicants become “first-ready,” the County anticipates a steady increase in shopping letters issued through the end of this year and into 2026.

Ho'okumu Hou offers Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to individuals and families who meet eligibility criteria, including income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires. Ho'okumu Hou continues to accept applications for its Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement and Reconstruction programs. For more information, visit https://hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov/

County of Maui Office of Recovery, in collaboration with Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society (HMPS), is hosting Hot Kupuna Nights on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Resort Ballroom.

The free evening will feature live music by Ku'uipo Kumukahi and Friends and will be hosted by Alaka'i Paleka. Light dinner and refreshments will be provided. Free parking is available. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

HMPS, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving mele Hawai'i and fostering intergenerational connection, has successfully hosted Hot Kupuna Nights on O'ahu and Hawaiʻi Island. This will be the first Hot Kupuna Nights in Lahaina, creating a welcoming pathway for Lahaina’s kupuna to access recovery resources in a setting that feels familiar, trusted and filled with aloha.

“Our kupuna are the foundation of our community. They carry the stories, strength and wisdom that continue to guide us through recovery. Bringing comfort through music is one way that we can honor them — and ensure they feel seen and supported,” said Mayor Richard Bissen.

“It is with great honor and love for Maui we humbly accept the invitation to share Hot Kupuna Nights with our 'ohana in Lahaina. Holu a Ho'omau, Kukui 'a'a mau pio'ole i Kaua'ula, Iesu pu me 'oukou pakahi a pau,” said Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, HMPS co-founder and creative director.

The family-friendly gathering is designed to celebrate Lahaina’s kupuna and provide a welcoming space to access wildfire recovery resources.

Program specialists and representatives from Office of Recovery programs and local nonprofit organizations, including Ho'okumu Hou, Pono Legal, Na Hoaloha and others, will be on site to answer questions and connect with Lahaina kupuna and their families.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP through this link, https://tinyurl.com/hotkupunanightslahaina; however, walk-ins are welcome.

Reconstruction and Reimbursement programs will remain open

Ho'okumu Hou’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program application period will close Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, the County of Maui Office of Recovery announced at Wednesday night’s Lahaina Community Meeting. However, applications for Hoʻokumu Hou’s Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction and Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement programs will remain open.

Ho'okumu Hou offers Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to individuals and families who meet eligibility criteria, including income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires. County officials emphasize that priority will be given to renters displaced by the 2023 wildfire who earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income. These households are strongly encouraged to submit applications before the Sept. 30, 2025, deadline.

“Closing applications for the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program at the end of this month allows us to focus on processing those already in the system, ensuring that qualified households get the support they need,” said John Smith, County Office of Recovery Administrator.

Since launching on Aug. 11, 2025, the program has received a high-volume of interest. As of Sept. 2, 2025, the program had more than 1,300 active applications. While eligibility reviews are ongoing, program specialists anticipate that the pool of qualified applicants will likely exceed available grant funding and echo that priority will go toward renters displaced by wildfires.

The Office of Recovery encourages residents to find official information on Ho'okumu Hou programs directly through the County due to potential fraud by third-party entities.

Eligible residents may submit applications through three official County of Maui pathways: Online via hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov; mobile app by downloading Maui OOR from Google Play or Apple stores; and in person with a Ho'okumu Hou intake specialist from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., Suite B102, Lahaina, or at Maui Mall, 53 E. Kamehameha Ave., Suite 101, Kahului.

Application appointments are also available Saturdays via online portal at hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov or by calling the service center at (808) 865-4007.

For more information about CDBG-DR and the Hoʻokumu Hou programs, visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov.

Office of Recovery sees high volume of interest in CDBG-DR funded housing program

The County of Maui Office of Recovery is encouraging residents to find official information on Ho'okumu Hou housing programs directly through the County due to potential fraud by third-party entities.

Ho'okumu Hou, which is receiving a high volume of applications, offers Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to individuals and families who meet eligibility criteria, including income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Some third-party entities, including real estate industry representatives, are allegedly falsely claiming they can prequalify clients for the Homebuyer Opportunity Program, the County Office of Recovery said. If applicants suspect they have been targets of fraud, the County asks that they report the incidents to program staff.

The only way to apply for Ho'okumu Hou programs is directly through the County process. The County urges community members to check that the information they receive is accurate, official program information from the County of Maui and Ho'okumu Hou program staff. Residents are encouraged to visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov or visit the resource centers in Kahului and Lahaina to speak with program specialists.

The Ho'okumu Hou Program has seen tremendous interest from Maui residents since the County Office of Recovery began accepting applications Aug. 11, 2025.

Since applications opened, an average of 80 applications have been submitted each day. As of August 26, 2025, Ho'okumu Hou program specialists are processing approximately 1,400 applications across the first three Ho'okumu Hou programs, all of which focus on housing.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery today, Aug. 11, 2025, opened applications for its Ho'okumu Hou housing programs supported by Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds.

Newly named Ho'okumu Hou focuses on housing initiatives intended to help wildfire survivors receive the means they need to stay, or return, home.

Individuals and families who meet eligibility criteria, including income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires, may now apply for funding through three relief programs: the Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program; the Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement Program; and the First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program. 

Each program will require residents to submit documentation that may include government ID, proof of citizenship/legal residence, income verification, home ownership and mortgage documentation, and documentation of assistance received to date. For all programs, participants will be required to comply with terms to keep their properties affordable and available to income-qualified buyers. 

“The Hoʻokumu Hou program is here to help our families take the next step toward rebuilding and returning home,” County Office of Recovery administrator John Smith said. “If you were impacted by the wildfires, I encourage you to apply today. These resources were designed for you — to bridge the gaps, ease the burden, and make sure you have a clear path forward.”

Hawaiian Council is overseeing case management for Hoʻokumu Hou and working with community members on the application process. “If in doubt, please apply,” said Kukui Keahi, Hawaiian Council associate director, Kākoʻo Maui Programs. “The application is very simple, and you’ll have a great team behind you, helping you every step of the way.” 

Residents may apply for Hoʻokumu Hou programs through the following options: 

• Online: Visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov  
• Mobile app: Download the Maui Office of Recovery (Maui OOR) app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
• In person: Apply with an intake specialist at a Hoʻokumu Hou location in Lahaina or Kahului, open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment. Locations are Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., Suite B102, and Maui Mall, Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, 53 E. Kamehameha Ave., Suite 101, Kahului.

Application appointments can be made via the online scheduling form at hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov, or by calling the center at (808) 865-4007. For more information about CDBG-DR and the Hoʻokumu Hou programs, visit: hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery will host an additional community information session online from 

2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, to present finalized policies for the upcoming Ho'okumu Hou housing programs.

Ho'okumu Hou programs are open to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements that include income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires. 

The County will present information on the following programs that will launch on Aug. 11: 

• Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program
• Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement Program 
• First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program

Hoʻokumu Hou Virtual Community Info SessionSaturday, Aug. 9, 20252 to 3:30 p.m.Online via Zoom Webinar. Register here: https://bit.ly/45tJn6H

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of the finalized program policies, followed by a Q&A session. The Office of Recovery has been working closely with community organizations to design policies for the Hoʻokumu Hou housing programs that serve the best interests of Lahaina residents and the long-term future of the community. 

The new information in the upcoming meeting will focus on these program guidelines and policies, specifically the terms designed to ensure that housing will remain available and affordable to local residents into the future. 

For more information about CDBG-DR, visit www.mauirecovers.org/cdbgdr.

CDBG-DR-funded housing programs to begin accepting applications on Aug. 11

The County of Maui Office of Recovery will be hosting a series of community meetings on July 30 and Aug. 1, 2025, leading up to the opening of Ho'okumu Hou program applications on Aug. 11. Newly named Hoʻokumu Hou, which will cover all of the County’s recovery programs funded by federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, will focus on housing initiatives intended to help wildfire survivors receive the means they need to stay, or return, home.

Hoʻokumu Hou programs are open to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements that include income limits and loss of property during the 2023 Maui wildfires.

“We are committed to making the application process straightforward and accessible, especially to those who need funds the most,” said John Smith, County Office of Recovery administrator.

The County will be presenting information on the following programs that will launch on Aug. 11:

• Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program - Provides assistance to reconstruct homes lost to the wildfires for eligible homeowners who have not yet started to rebuild.
• Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement Program - Provides up to $400,000 to eligible homeowners who have completed reconstruction of their home that was destroyed in the wildfires.
• First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program - Provides up to $600,000 to eligible residents who do not own a home, for the purchase of a home.

Informational meetings on the Hoʻokumu Hou programs are as follows:

Hoʻokumu Hou In-Person Meetings

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall, 5-8 p.m.

Three back-to-back community meetings will cover each of the housing programs, with one hour dedicated to each program. Each meeting will start with a presentation on the program, followed by a Q&A session and an opportunity for one-on-one discussions. Residents are welcome to attend all three meetings, or drop in for the meeting(s) of interest.

• 5 p.m. - First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program
• 6 p.m. - Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program
• 7 p.m. - Homeowner Reimbursement Program

Hoʻokumu Hou Online Meetings

Friday, Aug. 1, 2025

3-6 p.m.

Three back-to-back webinars via Zoom will cover each of the housing programs, with one hour dedicated to each program. Each meeting will start with a presentation on the program, followed by a Q&A session. Residents are welcome to attend all three meetings, or drop in for the meeting(s) of interest.

• 3 p.m. - First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program
• 4 p.m. - Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction Program
• 5 p.m. - Homeowner Reimbursement Program

The in-person meetings on July 30 will be livestreamed on the County of Maui’s Facebook page; no account is needed to view. A live broadcast of the meetings will also be shown on Akakū: Maui Community Media, Channel 53.

The online meetings will be accessible through a single meeting link. To register for the online meetings, visit www.mauirecovers.org/events. For more information about CDBG-DR and the Hoʻokumu Hou programs, visit www.mauirecovers.org/cdbgdr.

A grant agreement authorizing approximately $1.6 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to support Maui wildfire recovery efforts was finalized Friday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the County of Maui.

The execution of this agreement allows the County to begin receiving the crucial federal funds that will fill gaps and address disaster recovery needs that are currently going unmet by other funding sources.

“This agreement marks a major milestone in ensuring these much-needed funds are on their way to Maui,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Nearly two years after the wildfires, we are ready to take the next critical step: disbursing these funds to help survivors build back stronger, safer and more resilient for the future. The County stands ready with the partnerships, processes and commitment in place to move this recovery forward.”

The CDBG-DR funds were appropriated by the U.S. Congress in December 2024 and allocated by HUD to the County of Maui the following month. The funds will be used primarily for critical housing programs and infrastructure projects that support housing in the burn areas, in addition to supporting economic revitalization, public services and mitigation programs.

The allocation of funds by program type is outlined in the County’s Action Plan, which was shaped by community input during the public feedback period in February and March 2025. This included three public hearings on March 8, 11 and 14, along with ongoing engagement with survivors—through more than 70 community meetings since the disaster. The Action Plan was submitted to HUD on April 22 and approved on June 4.

The $1.6 billion to Maui County is the largest single allocation of CDBG-DR funds to a single local municipality to date. Of 47 grantees who were allocated nearly $12 billion in this latest round of CDBG-DR allocations, Maui is among the first to have its grant agreement fully executed.

“I want to extend our deepest aloha and mahalo to all who made this moment possible,” Mayor Bissen said. “I would like to thank our federal partners, including members of Congress and HUD for this allocation and subsequent grant agreement; Senator Brian Schatz, his team, and the rest of our Hawaiʻi delegation; Governor Green and our state partners; and Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and other local community organizations that have stepped up to aid in the recovery efforts over the past 22 months.”

The County anticipates that the intake process for various CDBG-DR-funded housing programs will begin in mid-August. Although official requirements have yet to be released, the County recommends that residents who lost homes in the fires or renters who were displaced by the fires begin preparing to apply by gathering and organizing documentation, including income documents (tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, social security, pension, etc.); disaster assistance documents showing awards or denials; and receipts showing how any award money was spent.

“It will be a significant undertaking to distribute these funds, and we are committed to making sure they deliver the maximum benefit to our community,” said John Smith, administrator of the County’s Office of Recovery.

For more information and to view the County’s Action Plan, visit www.mauirecovers.org/cdbgdr.

‍

The County of Maui will be holding three public meetings in March on its draft Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan.

The meetings are as follows:

• Saturday, March 8, 2025; 3 p.m. at the Princess Nāhi'ena'ena Elementary School cafeteria, located at 816 Nīheu St., Lahaina
• Tuesday, March 11, 2025; 3 p.m., online (registration link available at  www.MauiRecovers.org/events)
• Friday, March 14, 2025; 5:30 p.m. at the J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium, located at 95 Mahalani St., Wailuku

On Dec. 20, 2024, more than $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding was appropriated by the U.S. Congress to support recovery efforts stemming from the 2023 Maui wildfires. The funding will be provided to the County of Maui through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

As grantee, the County of Maui will submit to HUD an Action Plan, which outlines the proposed activities and program allocations the CDBG-DR funds will be used for. In developing its draft Action Plan, the County was guided by community input gathered over the past 18 months through various community engagement efforts, such as community meetings and the Neighborhood Planning Workshops held for the Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan.

“These meetings will help residents learn about the CDBG-DR process and provide comment on the proposed plan for funding allocations,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Our team has been preparing for many months to be ready once the funding is released. We’ve heard significant feedback from past meetings, and as we finalize the County’s disaster recovery Action Plan, it’s crucial that we continue seeking your input. 

During the Action Plan meetings, County officials will be available to answer questions from attendees, who will have the opportunity to provide their comments on the draft Action Plan.

The draft Action Plan and an online feedback form have been posted on www.MauiRecovers.org/cdbgdr. Public feedback will be accepted until 4 p.m. HST on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. A copy of the draft Action Plan will also be available for viewing at the David K. Trask Building, 2145 Kaohu St., Ste. 105, Wailuku until March 26, by appointment only (call (808) 270-6267 to schedule).

Public feedback will be accepted in-person at the public meetings, through the online form, via email (to cdbg-dr@mauicounty.gov) and by mail (to County of Maui Office of Recovery, Attn: CDBG-DR Program Office, 200 South High St., Wailuku, HI 96793).

The County will consolidate all public comments and submit them to HUD along with the Action Plan and the County’s responses to those comments.

For more information on CDBG-DR funding, visit www.MauiRecovers.org/cdbgdr.

Earlier in the week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the allocation of nearly $12 billion in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds for communities across 24 states and territories. The state of Hawaii's County of Maui received more than $1.6 billion for wildfires. To provide guidance for the implementation of this funding, HUD also published the Universal Notice for Community Development Block Grants - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).  

HUD Senior Official Trey Reffett announced these critical funds today in Hawaii (Lahaina, Maui) alongside Mayor Richard Bissen of Maui County, Erika L. Moritsugu (Deputy Assistant to the President), Dale Hahn from the Office of U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, and Maui Field Representative Deidre Tegarden from the Office of U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). These funds are critical to support Maui’s recovery and rebuilding efforts, including long-term housing, after the deadly 2023 wildfires.

“Over the last two years, too many communities have been impacted by devastating disasters – damaging homes, destroying infrastructure, and stretching local capacity to recover,” said HUD Agency Head, the Honorable Adrianne Todman. “This $12 billion in disaster discovery funds will help rebuild homes, develop affordable housing, assist impacted small businesses, and repair roads, schools, water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure.  The impacts of these funds will be felt for years to come - especially for disaster survivors and communities in the most impacted areas.”  

“Survivors of the devastating Maui fires have been waiting a long time for this help to arrive in order to rebuild their homes and lives and get back on their feet, said Senator Brian Schatz, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.  “CDBG-DR funding has been a lifeline for so many communities struck by disasters over the years and this aid will be critical to building housing on Maui as quickly as possible.”

“We are deeply grateful for this support, which is critical as we move forward with rebuilding for our communities devastated by the August 2023 wildfires,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “This news brings a renewed sense of hope for our residents, as well as the prospect of a future that is stronger and more resilient.”

The Universal Notice will strengthen and improve the administration of CDBG-DR, incorporating feedback received from grantees, stakeholders, and survivors of disasters. For the first time ever, HUD requested public input through the 2022 Request for Information on CDBG-DR Rules, Waivers, and Alternative Requirements. HUD received more than 700 unique comments offering feedback on how to make disaster recovery faster and more efficient, effective, resilient, and equitable.  

This critical allocation of CDBG-DR funding and the guidance in the Universal Notice will enable 47 grantees – including 23 states, 15 counties, 8 cities, and one territory – to recover from and build resilience to weather-related disasters. CDBG-DR funding supports disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation, in the most impacted and distressed areas.

As the only federal disaster recovery assistance to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income households and communities, CDBG- DR funding can be used to:

• Replace damaged affordable housing and build it back more resiliently.
• Strengthen infrastructure through repairs, upgrades, and activities to increase the resilience of public facilities and infrastructure including roadways, water systems, and utilities.
• Support economic revitalization including support for small businesses, creation of jobs, and assistance for residents.
• Implement disaster mitigation measures to reduce risk of damage from future extreme weather and disaster events.  

“The Universal Notice published today reflects the input of communities and professionals who have been through the process of recovery and makes dozens of survivor-centered improvements to accelerate recovery.” said Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. “I’m proud to say that we did everything we could – absent permanent authorization by Congress – to strengthen the program, reduce red-tape, and support survivors as they rebuild.”  

Until HUD receives permanent authorization of the CDBG-DR program, the Universal Notice is intended to provide publicly informed, consistent guidance for communities recovering from disasters. The Universal Notice incorporates many of the public’s comments and recommendations, including updates to:  

• Improve outcomes, increasing access to information, and simplifying documentation requirements for disaster survivors
• Expand and extend eligible activities for rental assistance and disaster relief, including allowing reimbursement for these expenses.
• Create new eligible activities for local disaster preparedness and resilience.
• Align more closely with FEMA requirements for environmental reviews and community-driven relocation.
• Streamline Action Plan requirements, and encouraging broader community engagement in the Action Plan Formation process.
• Reduce administrative burden on grantees, creating greater flexibility regarding building standards, implementation requirements, and financial management procedures.

Today’s announcement builds upon actions taken to streamline HUD’s disaster recovery and resilience work. The public comments received through the Request for Information highlight key opportunities for improvement. In response, HUD has taken action to incorporate public feedback and strengthen the CDBG-DR program for years to come.  

Specifically, HUD will continue its partnership with FEMA on the Pre-Disaster Housing Initiative, which helps states develop plans to boost their pre-disaster housing capabilities. HUD will be announcing a Universal Notice Webinar Series that will take grantees and the public through the steps outlined in the Universal Notice and ensure they are ready to immediately begin the development of their CDBG-DR Action Plans. HUD will also provide grantees with an Action Plan Template to support their overall design and creation of the required components of the plan.  

The Universal Notice also implements a Congressional directive to allow grantees to adopt any other Federal agency environmental review, when using CDBG-DR funds to supplement another Federal project. This new broader adoption will save time and money for grantees using multiple sources of Federal assistance in one disaster recovery project. Additionally, HUD is finalizing its plans to introduce a data portal to speed up the process of sharing FEMA data with CDBG-DR grantees, this data portal will be available to grantees later this year. To learn how HUD has responded to the comments received through the Request for Information visit HUD’s website here.  

By increasing coordination, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing capacity to get recovery funding to communities more quickly, HUD is facilitating collaborative, transparent disaster recovery and mitigation.  

Click here to view the TABLE: HUD Allocates Nearly $12 Billion to States and Communities to Assist with Disaster Recovery through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Allocations.

In a pivotal milestone for the recovery and rebuilding of communities devastated by the 2023 Maui wildfires, Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the County of Maui will receive an estimated $1.6 billion in new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for housing on Maui and an estimated $480 million more for economic development, small business loans and water infrastructure, among other needs.

The U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., on Friday and early Saturday voted to allocate $1.6 billion in disaster relief through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support Maui’s efforts to rebuild homes. Another $480 million will go to Maui for disaster recovery. Strict federal guidelines govern how the funds must be used, including requirements for comprehensive financial reporting by the County to the federal government.

In response to the news, Mayor Bissen expressed deep appreciation for the federal support, underscoring the importance of this funding for Maui’s long-term recovery.

“We are profoundly grateful for this vital disaster relief, which will allow us to begin the critical work of rebuilding and fortifying our community after the worst wildfires this nation has seen in a century,” Mayor Bissen said. “This CDBG-DR funding will not only help our most vulnerable wildfire survivors, but also enable us to invest in projects that will make Maui County more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.”

The Mayor also expressed heartfelt thanks to Hawai‘i U.S. Senator Brian Schatz for his relentless efforts in securing this funding, as well as all Hawai‘i’s Congressional leaders for their continued advocacy on behalf of Maui’s wildfire survivors.

“This funding is a lifeline for our community, and I am deeply grateful to Senator Schatz and all of our Congressional leaders for their unwavering support,” Mayor Bissen added.

In addition to the estimated $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding for housing, about $480 million more will be heading to Maui, including:

• $350 million to build critical water infrastructure
• $33 million to repair roads
• At least $22 million to support economic recovery, agriculture, and conservation effort
• $19 million for child care
• At least $12 million to provide loans to impacted small businesses

To ensure the effective management of these funds, the County of Maui, with approval from the Maui County Council, has established a CDBG-DR Program Office within the Department of Management’s Office of Recovery. The County has spent months preparing an action plan and readiness protocols to ensure efficient roll-out and use of the funding.

“We are fully committed to working in close collaboration with state, federal and local partners in this comprehensive recovery effort,” said John Smith, incoming Administrator of the County Office of Recovery. “Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient Maui for the benefit of wildfire survivors and all residents of Maui County.”

Maui residents and local stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing recovery programs and opportunities for public engagement. For more details, please visit www.mauirecovers.org/cdbgdr.

About the CDBG-DR Program: The Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program provides funding to help state and local governments respond to and recover from federally declared disasters. These funds are used to support housing, infrastructure and economic revitalization efforts, with a focus on long-term recovery and resilience.