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OHA: Office of Hawaiian Affairs

OHA Maui Wildfire Relief Efforts

Maui Relief text graphic

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.


Maui Relief text graphic

grant now open

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.

Sign up for more Relief Updates in the sidebar to get details as they come out.

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

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.


Photo: Carmen Hulu Lindsey with GEM CEO Michael Capponi
Distributed $2 million in housing vouchers & gift cards through Global Empowerment Mission partnership
OHA signed an agreement with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to give out short term housing vouchers to survivors who lost their homes in the Maui wildfires at the OHA Maui Office. Over $2 million in Airbnb vouchers and Visa gift cards through GEM’s Bstrong program. GEM has relocated to 115 South Wakea Ave., Unit B in Kahului.

OHA Mālama Loans

Offering Mālama Loan deferrals and disaster relief loans

For borrowers affected by the Maui wildfires, OHA is offering the deferral of your current loan payments for up to 12 months.

Native Hawaiians who are affected by the Maui wildfires are eligible to apply for the Disaster Relief Loan.

    • 4 %, up to 7 year loan, max $20,000
    • Borrower must qualify for the loan based on Operational Guidelines.
    • OHA will defer up to 6 months depending upon the situation, circumstances and loss. The loss would have to impact their living environment/situation, and/or job/business affected by the disaster.
    • Loss must be verified. (Examples of verification would be documentation, pictures, etc.).
    • For information about Disaster Relief Loans, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org  or call1-808-594-1835.

 

OHA Board Chair Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey Statement on Maui Wildfires Aug. 9, 2023


Ways to Kokua (Help)
Donate to the Maui Strong Fund at Hawaii Community Foundation
Maui Relief Storage Facility
Makana O Ke Akua (MOKA)
200 Keawe St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, behind Re-use Hawaii
8:30 am – 4:00 pm

  • Covered Shoes are REQUIRED.
  • Dress comfortably (warehouse gets hot). Water is provided.
  • Food not provided
  • Volunteers aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult

RESOURCES

MISSING

The Family Assistance Center (FAC)
Hyatt Regency Monarchy Ballroom in Kā’anapali,
200 Nohea Kai Dr., Lahaina, HI 96761
Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m

Immediate family members of individuals reported unaccounted for can go in-person to submit a DNA sample.

If you live outside of Maui, contact the FBI at (808) 566-4300 or HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov  to coordinate the submission of a DNA sample.

MAKA‘ALA (Be aware):

    • Any for payment in connection with the collection of a DNA sample for identification purposes is a scam and should be reported to the Maui Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-244-6400.
    • The FAC in Kā’anapali is the only location on Maui that is authorized to conduct DNA sampling to assist with identifying of remains.
    • DNA samples collected at the FAC are only used for identification of wildfire victims and survivors and will not be stored or used for any other purpose.
    • FAC staff are NOT calling community members to request DNA samples.

Maui Wildfire Disaster Unaccounted For –  Maui County validated list of 388 individuals who have been reported unaccounted for.

If you recognize a name on the list and know the person to be safe, or if you have additional information about the person that may help locate them, please contact the FBI at the contact info above.

Maui Fires People Locator List – Spreadsheet of people looking for friends and family and updated regularly.

SHELTER & HOUSING
shelter

Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing Program

Air BnB
Available to displaced residents or families on Maui for 21-day stays. Housing available on Maui, Oʻahu and outside of Hawaiʻi.

The State Dept. of Human Services
Lahaina Gateway Center
Tuesday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. (HHFDC)
Call 808-587-0469 Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Email hhfdcfirereliefhousing@hawaii.gov

HAWAII RESOURCES
Maui Nui Strong web page image


OHA Hawaiian Registry

Replacing Lost Documents
Important documents or identification lost in the Maui fires, can be replaced.

OHA Hawaiian Registry Program
The Hawaiian Registry card confirms your Hawaiian ancestry, which is one of the requirements to be eligible for OHA programs.

FEDERAL RELIEF

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hawaii Wildfires

Disaster Recovery and Assistance Center
Federal, state and volunteer organizations to apply for disaster recovery assistance.
University of Hawai‘i Maui College, 310 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., in Kahului.
Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

SBA Business Recovery Center
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
Maui Research Technology Center Building #A, Ste. 119
590 Lipoa Pkwy. Kihei, HI 96753
Mon – Fri, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sat, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Apply/register online

American Red Cross – Hawai‘i
For up to the minute information on Emergency Aid Stations, Shelters, how you can help, and more check the Facebook feed.

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