Groundbreaking marks start of Ka La La‘i Ola
KAHULUI—On Monday Hawaii Governor Josh Green, alongside community partners and local leaders, officially broke ground on Ka La‘i Ola, a 450 unit housing project on Maui designed to support wildfire survivors ineligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor.
The project brings together the state of Hawai‘i, Maui County, the state Department of Human Services (DHS), the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) and HomeAid Hawai‘i (HAH) to create 450 temporary studios and one, two, and three-bedroom housing units across 54 acres.
The temporary homes can be occupied for up to five years. The collaborative effort represents the largest interim housing development for Maui wildfire survivors to date, according to the Office of the Governor.
Ka La‘i Ola means ‘The Place of Peaceful Recovery.’ It will provide a foundation for healing and a step forward toward longterm recovery for those enduring some of the greatest need.
“From the moment the wildfires began, our commitment to the recovery of every affected individual and family has been unwavering,” said Green of the project. “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.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen eagerly anticipates the sense of hope the homes will give to the families who are housed at Ka La‘i Ola.
“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,” he said.
“Our decision to support Ka La‘i Ola is about bringing stability to our families and friends who suffered such extraordinary loss,” said HCF CEO and President Micah Kāne, “and we are so grateful to our Maui Strong Fund donors for their generosity that made this possible.”
“HomeAid is most grateful for the opportunity to continue our mission here in West Maui, to build housing solutions for our most vulnerable people impacted by the wildfires,” said Kimo Carvalho, executive director of HomeAid Hawai‘i, developer of Ka La‘i Ola. “Our work starts now. Our mission is clear. Temporary housing for wildfire survivors.
Permanent infrastructure for Hawaiian beneficiaries beyond five years.”
PROJECT FUNDING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
The state of Hawai‘i has allocated $75 million toward the $115 million needed for Ka La‘i Ola, along with a recently announced $40 million contribution from Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and community contributions. This initiative not only alleviates the financial strain of approximately $56 million in monthly expenses on temporary accommodations for these survivors, but also introduces crucial services and amenities aimed at fostering resilience and recovery.
SUPPORT SERVICES AND AMENITIES
Ka La‘i Ola will provide comprehensive property management and community services, including access to disaster case managers, trauma-informed services, a resiliency center, childcare, healthcare facilities, gardens, playgrounds and more. These facilities are designed to support the residents’ emotional and physical well-being, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE
The Hawai‘i Housing and Finance Development Corporation has leased the land required for this project to the state Department of Human Services (DHS) for five years. After this period, the land and its permanent infrastructure will be transferred to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, expediting the development of new homes for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries by 17 years.