Maui County Office of Recovery

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Maui County Office of Recovery

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The County of Maui’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for survivors of the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

Maui Recovers is the official County of Maui page providing residents, businesses, and the community with updated disaster recovery information and support resources.

11/02/2026

What do affordability terms mean for homeowners receiving assistance through Hoʻokumu Hou?

They explain how long homeowners must live in their assisted home and meet program requirements. The compliance period for Ho‘okumu Hou’s Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction and Reimbursement programs is 5, 10 or 25 years, depending on the amount of assistance received. The program mortgage has zero interest and no regular monthly payments while those requirements are met.

For homeowners still considering applying, assistance may be available to help rebuild or cover eligible costs for a home that has already been rebuilt. Applications are open through Dec. 31, 2026.

Learn more about the program’s mortgage terms and what they mean for you at hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov.

Have questions about your situation? Call (808) 865-4007 to speak with a Program Specialist.

10/30/2026

County of Maui Office of Recovery shares THIS WEEK’S ROUNDUP – October 30, 2026

Wildfire Recovery:

County of Maui and Kamehameha Schools propose shared stewardship of Lahaina water resources

County of Maui opens Makahiki Maui Nui with ceremony at Moku‘ula

Grand opening of ‘Ulu o Lele in Lahaina set for Nov. 10

Recovery Resources:

Rebuilding Safely: Guarding against contractor fraud

Mental health resources

Storm Recovery:

Private Nonprofits, Including Houses of Worship, May Qualify for Hurricane Lala, Hurricane Lowell Disaster Assistance

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10/27/2026

County of Maui officials are encouraging residents and visitors to prepare for the potential of heavy rainfall, flooding and isolated thunderstorms as a narrow band of rain moves over the state Tuesday and Wednesday.

National Weather Service (NWS) posted a Flood Watch that goes into effect statewide on Tuesday morning through late Wednesday night. Deep, tropical moisture is moving over the state in a narrow band, packing the potential for moderate to heavy showers.

The heaviest rainfall is forecast late Tuesday night through the first half of Wednesday, with Maui County and Oʻahu facing the highest potential for flash flooding, according to NWS. Rain could linger as late as Thursday and Friday.

To prepare for possible impacts, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and other County departments are coordinating with state, private and nonprofit partners and monitoring weather conditions.

“We recognize that this has been a busy weather season, and with so many events to prepare for, we understand that people may be experiencing storm fatigue. Still, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, take time now to prepare and stay informed,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “Our County teams are ready and able to respond if weather conditions warrant.”

Heavy downpours may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are primary concerns, especially because conditions can change quickly, according to MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett.

“We encourage everyone to prepare now and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall. Never attempt to cross flooded roads or streams, whether on foot or in a vehicle,” Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Residents and visitors should also be prepared for potential power outages and disruptions to essential services.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to:

• Review or update family emergency plans and identify safe locations if flooding threatens homes or accommodations.

• Maintain at least 14 days of emergency supplies, including food, water, medications and other essential items.

• Clear gutters and drainage areas around homes.

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, especially in areas prone to flooding, and never drive or walk through flooded roadways or flowing water.

• Stay away from streams, rivers and other waterways that may rise rapidly during heavy rainfall.

• Monitor official weather forecasts, emergency alerts and possible road closures.

• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys Protect evacuation information at https://www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

Mayor Bissen’s annual Holomua Kākou scheduled for Lānaʻi on Oct. 27-28, 2026, is being postponed due to severe weather forecasts canceling the Lānaʻi ferry. For details, visit www.mauicounty.gov.

For the latest weather forecasts, watches, advisories and warnings, visit NWS at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/. For County emergency preparedness and updates, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

10/22/2026

The County of Maui has established a temporary administrative pathway for certain wildfire reconstruction projects makai of Front Street in Lahaina.

Under the new directive from the Office of Recovery (RCD No. 10), qualifying Special Management Area Major Use Permit applications may be processed administratively by the Planning Director rather than proceeding through the standard Maui Planning Commission public hearing process.

The directive applies only to qualifying reconstruction associated with structures destroyed by the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires. Applicable shoreline setbacks, environmental requirements, historic and cultural resource protections, and other requirements remain in place.

Not all properties makai of Front Street will qualify. Property owners can review the directive, eligibility information, FAQs and additional resources at MauiRecovers.org/shorelinepermitting.

10/22/2026

For Lahaina’s TJ and Makayla Rickard and their ʻohana, this new home means being able to stay close to the family and community that shaped them.

Earlier this year, the Rickard ʻohana received the keys to their new home with the support of the Hoʻokumu Hou First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program. With the help of the program, their keiki will grow up here on Maui, surrounded by the same kind of love and support they grew up with, where everyone has a hand in raising the next generation.

Welcome home, Rickard ʻOhana!

The First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program, which provides up to $600,000 in assistance to eligible wildfire-impacted residents toward the purchase of a new home in Maui Nui, is funded by the CDBG-DR grant allocated to the County of Maui by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

While applications for this program are closed, Ho‘okumu Hou is still accepting applications for its Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction and Reimbursement programs. These programs provide assistance to eligible homeowners who lost their home in the 2023 Maui wildfires. For more information, visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov

10/21/2026

10/17/2026

County of Maui Office of Recovery shares THIS WEEK’S ROUNDUP – October 16, 2026

Visit https://www.mauirecovers.org/weeksroundup

Wildfire Recovery:

In response to Mayor Bissen’s request to restore direct mail in Lahaina, USPS reconsidering delivery

Housing & Resource Fair at Royal Lahaina Resort on Saturday, Oct. 17

County streamlines SMA permit process for qualifying Lahaina reconstruction

FEMA: Helpful tips when filing an appeal

Storm Recovery:

SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Hawaii Private Nonprofits

Governor Green announces two major disaster declaration approvals to help Hawaiʻi recover

Sign up for email and text notifications at www.mauirecovers.org/sign-up

10/16/2026

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN: The County of Maui Office of Recovery’s Hoʻokumu Hou Strategic Voluntary Mitigation Buyout Program (VBOP) offers eligible property owners a buyout option for shoreline properties in Lahaina Historic District 1 and 2. Participation is entirely voluntary.

Through these buyouts, the County would use federal mitigation funds to help reduce future hazard risk and create permanent community open space. Housing or residential development, hotels or short-term rentals, and commercial or industrial uses will NOT be considered. The land would remain in County ownership, with permanent deed restrictions preventing redevelopment.

Planning for these spaces would build on longstanding community efforts, with community input helping shape future uses.

Applications for interested property owners in the program area opened on Sept. 28, 2026.

For more information about the program, including program policies and a link to the application portal, visit hookumuhou.mauicounty.gov/vbop.

Address

200 S. High Street
Wailuku, HI
96793

Telephone

+18082707855

Website

https://www.mauirecovers.org/

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