New program gives Maui fire survivors path to home ownership

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As the three-year anniversary of the Maui fire disaster approaches, a nonprofit organization is making 17 homes available to fire survivors as part of a rent-to-own program.

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Hawaiian Community Assets launched its Ua Hale A’ela program to help renters become homeowners across the state in 2024.

On Maui, 17 units will be made available specifically for fire survivors.

The first four homes, located in Wailuku, are already secured and currently under renovation.

“Our Ua Hale A’ela program is a rent with options to purchase,” said Kawehi Kaaa, Maui program manager for Hawaiian Community Assets. “It’s really to help renters become homeowners, and so the families are able to buy the house they’re renting within two years or less, and this really is just another pathway to home ownership for people.”

Rent-to-own model

The Ua Hale A’ela program is the first project of its kind in the state. It focuses on renovating existing homes, providing immediate rentals, and creating a pathway for renters to become homeowners.

Kaaa said keeping fire survivors from moving off-island is central to the program’s mission and Maui’s long-term recovery.

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“A big part of Hawaiian Community Assets is we want to keep families here, and we know that there’s so much that is lost, have had to move away,” she said. “We want to be a part of those solutions.”

Foundation backs Maui housing

To secure the homes, Hawaiian Community Assets received a $6.34 million grant from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and House Maui Initiative.

“As we reflect back on three years, we think about all of those souls we lost in the fire, as well as the immense opportunities that are yet to be seen for some of the survivors, and we continue to put money into the community, invest into our nonprofit sector to support their recovery,” said Keanu Lau Hee of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.

The first homes are expected to be move-in ready by the end of the month.

“I hope it provides hope. I think it definitely helps us provide hope for our clients or for the community. It doesn’t solve all the problems, but it’s a great representation of what can happen when organizations partner together to find solutions, real solutions for people,” Kaaa said.

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Fire survivors interested in the program, click here.