FHA 203(h) Deadline Temporarily Waived!!
On August 10, 2023, Maui County became a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area (PDMDA).
On August 9, 2024, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published a temporary, partial waiver to certain requirements for FHA’s 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims Program for the victims of the Maui wildfires.
For disaster victims from a PDMDA, FHA offers the 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims Program which insures mortgages that provide up to 100% financing for the purchase of a new home or reconstruction of an existing home. Normally, the program requires that an FHA case number is assigned within one year of the PDMDA declaration.
However, in accordance with the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Section II.A.8.b.ii(A)(1), and pursuant to the waiver, an additional period of eligibility is being provided for the disaster victims of Maui County.
Thus, borrowers impacted by last year’s wildfires who are seeking a mortgage under the 203(h) program have an extra year to be assigned an FHA case number (e.g., before August 10, 2025).
This temporary partial waiver only applies to the Maui wildfire disaster (DR-4724-HI). It does not apply to any other PDMDA.
For more information contact David Lawrence of Prime Lending: 808-281-9280 or email David Lawrence.
The OHA Kanaaho Grant for Lahaina and Kula is now open to kōkua eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners and renters who experienced hardship in the Maui wildfires. Direct financial assistance will be provided to eligible Native Hawaiian homeowners ($9,000) and renters ($4,000) in the wildfire impact zones of Lahaina and Kula. The application form is now LIVE. Please gather your required documents and apply online at www.oha.org/kanaahogrant
OHA launches Kanaaho Grant for Lahaina and Kula residents affected by wildfires
On April 10, 2024 , OHA launched its Kanaaho Grant for Lahaina and Kula, a direct disaster relief grant program for beneficiaries impacted by the wildfires in Maui. Native Hawaiians impacted by the wildfires can apply online, and learn more about the relief aid parameters and requirements at www.oha.org/kanaahogrant, or at the OHA Maui Office and OHA offices throughout the pae ʻāina. The current grant application deadline has been extended until Dec. 31, 2024.
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OHA Trustees commit $5 million for Maui wildfire victims
The OHA Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve the distribution of $5 million in emergency disaster relief funds to kōkua Native Hawaiian beneficiaries affected by the fires on Maui. Trustees are working in cooperation with Native Hawaiian leaders on Maui and are assessing needs to inform the thoughtful deployment of funds to provide the largest impact to recovery efforts.
Native Hawaiian Business Maui Wildfire Impact Survey
The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (MNHCOC) and OHA launched a survey on Nov. 1 to assess the impact of the August 2023 Maui wildfires on the Native Hawaiian business community. Feedback will be used to determine critical needs and provide data for MNHCOC and OHA to advocate for additional business disaster relief from various state and federal resources. We recognize that the impact of the Maui wildfires on Native Hawaiian businesses extends beyond Lahaina to businesses throughout the pae ʻāina (island chain) with business ties to Maui.
In OHA’s role as a researcher, we are happy to partner with the MNHCOC to provide support in gathering much needed data to help inform government policies and programs. The survey is available online at oha.org/impactsurvey. All businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires have until Nov. 30, 2023 to complete the survey.
Opened new facility to organize, store and deploy supplies to Maui as needed
A Maui Relief Storage Facility, has been opened in Hakuone to receive, sort and inventory donations collected for Maui residents impacted by the wildfires and store them until they are ready to be transported and received on Maui. The facility is currently set-up to receive donations from coordinated relief efforts and drives across O‘ahu. Organizations collecting and receiving large donations should call (808) 341-0622 to coordinate delivery. Click here to volunteer to kōkua.
The center is a coordinated effort by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, OHA, and CNHA.
Partnered to raise $100k through the Wiwoʻole Maui Benefit Concert
The Maui based concert was live streamed around the world & promoted like a worldwide telethon. OHA assisted with securing the venue for the concert, as well as media interviews with Indigenous communities on the continent and in the Pacific. Together in partnership with numerous Maui recording artists and hula hālau, $100k for Maui relief efforts was raised.
OHA Board Chair Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey Statement on Maui Wildfires Aug. 9, 2023
Makana O Ke Akua (MOKA)
200 Keawe St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, behind Re-use Hawaii
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
RESOURCES