The Credit Unions of Maui are proud to announce a donation of $300,000 to HomeAid Hawaiʻi ’s Ka Laʻi Ola project, a housing initiative aimed at providing stable and secure shelter for survivors of the Lahaina wildfires. This contribution will play a critical role in providing safe housing for up to 1,500 displaced residents over the next five years, offering hope and stability during the long-term recovery process.
Ka Laʻi Ola will contain approximately 450 modular residential units, including a combination of studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes that are fit for independent living; with full kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas on a 57-acre site, which will be leased for five years to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) by the Hawaiʻi Housing & Finance Development Corporation (HHFDC). After the five-year period, the land and its newly developed infrastructure will be committed to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), fast-tracking DHHL's housing development for Native Hawaiʻi an beneficiaries by 17 years. This will ensure that the temporary housing efforts not only serve wildfire survivors but also support long-term solutions for Native Hawaiian families.
In addition to housing, Ka Laʻi Ola will provide property management and vital community services aimed at helping residents heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. The project will include Disaster Case Managers, who will offer trauma-informed support, considering post-traumatic conditions, community trauma, and providing a clinical perspective on healing and recovery. Residents will have access to essential resources designed to ease their transition and help them regain stability.
Working closely with neighboring community leaders and temporary housing beneficiaries, the Ka Laʻi Ola project will co-design and plan community and amenity buildings, a resiliency center, wayfinding systems, landscaping, and other critical components to foster a sense of community and well-being. This collaborative approach will ensure that the development is both functional and responsive to the unique needs of those who have been affected by the fires.
Gary Fukuroku, spokesperson for the Credit Unions of Maui, shared the following:“The Lahaina wildfire devastated our community, and it is our duty to ensure that those affected have a safe place to call home. We are proud to support HomeAid Hawaiʻi ’s transformative Ka Laʻi Ola project and the long-term recovery efforts. This partnership represents a critical step in healing and rebuilding Maui’s future.”
The donation was made possible by a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, whose commitment to disaster relief and affordable housing has been instrumental in helping communities recover from devastating natural events. The Credit Unions of Maui extend their deepest gratitude to the Federal Home Loan Bank for its generosity and unwavering support.
Kimo Carvalho, Executive Director of HomeAid Hawaiʻi, expressed appreciation: “This generous contribution from the Credit Unions of Maui will directly impact the lives of wildfire survivors by providing them with a stable and secure environment as they work towards rebuilding their future. We are deeply grateful for their support and that of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, whose assistance is making this life-changing work possible.”
The Ka Laʻi Ola project is expected to have a profound impact on Maui’s recovery, ensuring that families and individuals displaced by the fires have the opportunity to regain stability and peace of mind during these challenging times.
For more information on how to support HomeAid Hawaiʻi’s ongoing relief efforts, please visit www.homeaidhawaii.org. For more information about Ka La‘i Ola, visit www.kalaiola.org.
About the Credit Unions of Maui
The Credit Unions of Maui is a coalition of six Maui-based federal credit unions including Kahului Federal Credit Union, Maui Federal Credit Union, Maui County Federal Credit Union, Maui Teachers Federal Credit Union, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union, and Wailuku Federal Credit Union. Together they are dedicated to serving the financial needs of our community while supporting charitable initiatives that improve the quality of life for Maui residents.
About HomeAid Hawaiʻi
HomeAid Hawaiʻi is a leading nonprofit organization focused on providing housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those displaced by natural disasters. Their mission is to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education.