State Marks The Start of Ka La'i Ola, A Major Housing Initiative For Maui Wildfire Survivors -

Last month, Governor Josh Green, M.D. and community members officially broke ground on Ka La’i Ola. Ka La’i Ola means “The Place of Peaceful Recovery” and it is a pivotal housing project on Maui designed to support wildfire survivors ineligible for FEMA aid.

“From the moment the wildfires began, our commitment to the recovery of every affected individual and family has been unwavering,” said Governor Green.

“We are especially glad to bring this project forward because it will serve a community that has not been able to receive disaster aid from FEMA. These residents have been especially vulnerable after the wildfires and to offer them this hope in the form of housing is particularly rewarding.”

The project will create 450 temporary studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom housing units across 54 acres of land. The temporary homes can be occupied for up to five years.

The project brings together the state of Hawaii, Maui County, the state Department of Human Services, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and HomeAid Hawaii.

“As we move into the ninth month of recovery efforts since the August wildfires, we are navigating some of the most difficult times Maui County has ever faced, but we are making progress. Ka La’i Ola is a huge step forward in recovery efforts,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen.