Moving Forward on Maui

The Ah Puck ohana is among the many Lahaina residents who lost homes and businesses in last year’s devastating wildfires. As fourth-generation owners of the town’s famed Nagasako General Store and Okazu-Ya Deli, which was destroyed in the blaze, the family supported the community in the days following the disaster by serving hundreds of musubis to their neighbors. The Ah Pucks recently became the first tenants at Laiku, a new temporary housing project for wildfire survivors.

The development on Lahainaluna Road is the result of a collaboration between several entities, including the Governor’s Administration, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) Maui Strong Fund.

“While Laiku is a relatively small project, every unit we develop means one more family will have a more stable housing environment and a foundation to help rebuild their lives and continue healing,” says Governor Josh Green.

The Ah Puck family moved into Laiku this summer. They are shown here with Dustin Kaleiopu (far right), the community care navigator lead from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Kuhio Lewis, CEO of CNHA, highlighted the significance of the project’s name, which means “a calming space.” “Laiku symbolizes our promise to Lahaina,” says Lewis. “Welcoming families into new homes shows progress and resilience, thanks to strong partnerships and our Kakoo Maui team.”

Laiku consists of 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units on approximately two acres of land previously acquired by HDOT for the Lahaina Bypass project. Appliances and furnishings were donated for each unit. The Ah Puck ohana was one of two families who moved into the first completed Laiku units on July 23. The remaining units are expected to be ready by this month. A phased rollout ensures a steady support system for families as they transition into their new homes.

Laiku units are available at a monthly rent of $1,750. Payment options include personal funds, FEMA rental assistance, or insurance proceeds. Each unit includes water and sewer services up to $75 per month, as well as trash removal. Family pets up to 50 pounds are also welcome.

The Laiku temporary housing project for Lahaina wildfire survivors consists of 16 two-bedroom, one-bath units located on land previously acquired by the Hawaii Department of Transportation on Lahainaluna Road. Furnishings and appliances were donated for each unit.

Applicants must be verified as wildfire-impacted by the CNHA Kakoo Maui Resource Center. There are no income limits, and families temporarily relocated to other islands are eligible to apply. Units accommodate between two and five people, with parking limited to two vehicles per unit. Applications can be submitted online via helpingmaui.org or in person at the CNHA Kakoo Maui Resource Center at Maui Mall.

Micah Kane, CEO and president of HCF, emphasized the critical role of the Maui Strong Fund in this collaborative effort. “Providing safe and secure housing for Maui’s fire survivors is a key priority for the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation,” says Kane. “We will continue to work with government partners, nonprofits and the community to find solutions that support Maui’s journey toward recovery.”

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