La’iku housing project receives blessing on eve of Maui wildfire anniversary

LA’IKU (HawaiiNewsNow) - On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, a blessing was held Wednesday for four new units in a new village on Lahainaluna Road.

Gov. Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and other officials met with the families who began moving in last month.

The La’iku temporary housing is on state land near the Lahaina Bypass.

La’iku means “a calming space.” CNHA CEO Kuhio Lewis said it also symbolizes the state’s promise to Lahaina.

“Welcoming families into new homes shows progress and resilience, thanks to strong partnerships and our Kako’o Maui team,” Lewis added.

The first two families began moving into La’iku on July 23 and two more families are in the process of moving in.

“This is our sixth move, so hopefully, we’re hoping it’ll be our last until it’s time to rebuild,” said Carol Ah Puck who lost her home in Lahaina above Wahikuli.

The rent is $1,750 per month but families can get subsidies to offset the cost.

By September, the $4 million project will have 16 furnished homes with two bedrooms and one bath at 560 square feet each.

The state says there is no income limit for applicants, whose eligibility for tenancy will be verified as wildfire-impacted by the CNHA Kakoʻo Maui Resource Center. Families who may have temporarily relocated to other islands are also eligible to apply.

Units must be occupied by a minimum of two, or up to a maximum of five people. Parking is limited to two vehicles per unit. Street parking is not allowed.

Applications for Laʻiku may be submitted online via helpingmaui.org or by visiting the CNHA Kākoʻo Maui Resource Center at Maui Mall during regular business hours.