FEMA rent increase to hit Maui fire survivors still in temporary housing

News admin July 24, 2026 0 Comments

FEMA rent increase to hit Maui fire survivors still in temporary housing

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – FEMA is raising rents for hundreds of Maui wildfire survivors still living in federally subsidized temporary housing, leaving a senior citizen and Army veteran worried about his future.

Keith Hunter currently pays $500 a month to live at Kilohana, a FEMA temporary housing complex.

His neighbor recently received a letter stating that rent will double starting Sept. 1.

Hunter said he expects to receive the same notice soon.

“[There are] good days, bad days. Well, mediocre days,” Hunter said fighting back tears.

Second increase since March

FEMA confirmed the rent hike is the second increase since March. The agency said the increases are intended to raise monthly payments to 50% of the Fair Market Rent for Maui County. The change applies to approximately 600 wildfire survivors who have not yet found permanent housing.

Residents can appeal the increase. However, the FEMA subsidies — which have been extended several times — are set to expire in February.

Survivor fears homelessness

Hunter said that after paying his bills, he will have approximately $250 left each month and fears he could end up homeless again.

He said he has been unable to find work and his unemployment benefits have run out. He is relying on settlement money to pay for permanent housing.

“I’m speaking in behalf of others here who want to move forward. We’d like to get our settlement, but we understand the wheels of justice move slowly,” Hunter said.

Nearly three years after the disaster, Hunter said many survivors are still struggling and feel forgotten.

“I’m an old soldier, so…the old saying, you just suck it up and soldier on because whining and moaning ain’t going to change anything,” Hunter said. “But I just want to let the people know what’s going on in case they forgot.”