Newsroom

Hotel or housing? Battle drags on over which Maui properties should have short-term rentals banned

The Maui County Council is proposing that 3,402 of these units across 48 properties, including timeshares, leasehold properties and apartment complexes that function like hotels, be rezoned as hotel districts.

Maui Now

Final EIS accepted for 652-unit Mākena Mauka housing development

The Mākena Mauka development calls for a low-density master planned residential community and related amenities. The project will offer market rate housing and residential workforce housing with a mixture of rural and single-family lots and both single-family and multi-family residential units, all located mauka of Mākena Alanui Road.

Maui Now

Hotel rezoning amendments would shrink housing inventory envisioned by vacation rental phase-out, critics say

Three amendments proposed by Maui County Council members would add 16 properties—some overlapping between proposals—to a list of apartment-zoned properties used as vacation rentals and slated for rezoning into newly created hotel-zoned districts. The move would further shrink the pool of units that the much-debated Bill 9 would convert to long-term housing, opponents of the resolutions argued.

Maui Now

Hawai’i Community Foundation leaders talk Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund, Maui Strong Fund, and more

Keanu Lau Hee, vice president of community resilience and strategic implementation, shares HCF’s approach to investing in communities across the state to meet the greatest needs. HCF CEO and President Terry George reflects on his first year at the helm of the organization and what he’s prioritizing now to make the most impact.

Aloha State Daily

Maui mixed-use project nears completion of infrastructure work amid Hawaii’s utility woes

Lipoa, a 400-acre mixed-use project on the site of the former Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei, is working through building new roads, sidewalks and water systems as the project inches closer to vertical construction.

Pacific Business News

Hawaiian Community Assets announces first Maui Strong homes ready for wildfire survivor families beginning Aug. 28

Hawaiian Community Assets, a statewide nonprofit housing counseling agency, announced that the first four Wailuku homes offered through its Ua Hale Aʻela program for Maui wildfire survivors will be available for occupancy beginning Aug. 28, 2026.

Maui Now

Maui fire survivors get path to homeownership through new program

Ahead of the three-year Maui fire anniversary, a nonprofit is making 17 rent-to-own homes available to disaster survivors.

Hawaii News Now

Maui’s first Kauhale reaches full capacity in Kahului; project viewed as possible template for future affordable housing

Seven months into operations, Kīpūola Kauhale, Maui’s first kauhale project in Kahului, reached full capacity in June, using what developer HomeAid Hawaiʻi describes as a “deeply affordable” model that relies on value engineering, emergency proclamations and public-private partnerships to cut construction costs. Housing applications started in December.

Maui Now

$141M affordable housing development in Kihei completes final phase for seniors

Ikenakea Development has completed construction of a $141 million, 223-unit affordable rental housing development in Kihei on Maui with the second and last phase, reserved for seniors ages 55 and older, recently finished.

Pacific Business News

Maui County adopts new accessory dwelling rules to expand housing opportunities

To ease the island’s severe housing shortage, Maui County has adopted new rules that allow qualifying residentially zoned properties on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to be eligible for up to two accessory dwellings in addition to a primary residence — a potential of three residential units on a single lot, the County Department of Planning announced.

Maui Now

Mayor Bissen announces $6M proposal to purchase Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets for public trust

This marks the critical second phase of a broader effort that will increase public stewardship of West Maui’s drinking water systems from 45% to 93% while supporting much-needed housing development for residents.

Maui Now

Maui County zoning code rewrite could shape future island communities

The Maui County Department of Planning outlined its multiyear effort Wednesday to rewrite the County’s outdated Title 19 zoning code — a rulebook that shapes nearly every aspect of how and where homes, businesses and farms can be built across Maui Nui.

Maui Now

Affordable-housing project awaits County Council action

The Hoʻonani Village Mixed Use Development — one of the largest affordable-housing projects in Central Maui over the last 10 years — will be reviewed at Friday’s County Council meeting, according to Council member Tamara Paltin.

Maui News

Maui Council weighs use of Affordable Housing Fund for homeless population

A Maui County Council committee is considering legislation that would require the County to set aside a portion of its Affordable Housing Fund each fiscal year to provide housing for residents with no income—a population currently excluded from the fund’s eligibility criteria.

Maui Now

Catholic Charities’ Hale Pilina affordable rental housing in Kahului reaches halfway point

One year after breaking ground, Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation announced continued progress on the construction of Hale Pilina, an affordable rental housing development that will provide 178 homes for Maui families in need of stable, affordable housing.

Maui Now

Affordable housing grants for Hawaiʻi nonprofits offered from the Nareit Foundation

Hawaiʻi nonprofits supporting families and residents in need of affordable housing are encouraged to submit applications for consideration of grants from the Nareit Foundation. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 19, 2026, at 5 p.m.

MAUI NOW

UHERO: Hawai‘i housing affordability improves slightly but housing crisis ‘remains severe’

Housing affordability in the Islands may have improved slightly last year, but homeownership remains out of the reach of many and there are still plenty of issues driving the state’s continuing housing crisis, according to a new report from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization.

Aloha State Daily

ʻIkenākea Development opens Hale O Piʻikea, delivers 223 affordable rentals to South Maui

ʻIkenākea Development has opened Hale O Piʻikea, a three-phase affordable rental community in Kīhei delivering 223 new homes for Maui families, individuals and kūpuna. Representing $141 million total cost, the project is one of the largest and most significant affordable housing developments completed on Maui in recent years.

Maui Now

Hale O Piikea affordable housing project opens in South Maui

A major affordable housing project in South Maui is now open, adding hundreds of new units for local residents.

Hawaii News Now

New housing opportunity opens for Lahaina educators

Hawaiʻi educators have a new housing opportunity through a development under the state Department of Education.

Hawaii Public Radio

LCLT opens homebuyer portal for Lahaina-rooted residents seeking path to homeownership

The door to permanently affordable homeownership in Lahaina is now open. The Lahaina Community Land Trust has launched its homebuyer portal where Lahaina-rooted ʻohana can take the first step on the path to purchasing an affordable home.

Maui Now

Habitat for Humanity Maui celebrates completion of its first Lahaina rebuild

Habitat for Humanity Maui announced the completion of its first home rebuild in Lahaina, a meaningful milestone in the community’s ongoing recovery.

Maui Now

Kihei master-planned community files permits for 175 affordable apartments

Lipoa, a Kihei master-planned community formerly known as the Maui Research & Technology Center, is seeing plans for four apartment buildings advance in the permitting process.

Pacific Business News

Mayor Bissen proposes $1.6B budget

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen presented a proposed $1.616 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 to the Maui County Council on March 25, saying it prioritizes housing, recovery, community well-being, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity.

Maui News

Mayor Bissen’s FY 2027 budget proposal focuses on housing, recovery, water acquisitions, resilience

Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr., today presented the County of Maui’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget to the Maui County Council, outlining a spending plan focused on housing, recovery, community well-being, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity.

Maui County

Draft EIS published for Hoʻonani Village development in Puʻunēnē

The Maui Planning Commission called for an environmental impact review for the proposed 1,608-unit Hoʻonani Village development in Puʻunēnē, and developers have delivered a draft study with public comments due May 7.

Maui Now

UHERO study reveals housing ripple effect: One condo, hundreds of homes

A single new condominium tower in Honolulu may have opened up hundreds of additional housing opportunities across Oʻahu, according to new research from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.

Maui Now

Maui home prices and sales drop as condo market gains momentum

Maui’s single-family home market saw a double-digit drop in median prices this February, while condominium sales volume surged by 25% as buyers shifted toward more affordable inventory, according to new data from the Realtors Association of Maui.

Maui Now

Maui mayor sets housing and rebuilding as top priorities in 2026 State of the County Address

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen highlighted housing and wildfire as part of the county’s efforts to keep residents on island in his fourth State of the County Address.

KITV

Bills addressing Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing shortage pass out of committee

The House Committee on Housing has passed several measures addressing affordable housing for Hawaiʻi’s residents, as communities across the state continue to face a limited housing supply. The legislation focuses on increasing housing production, reducing regulatory barriers, and supporting the infrastructure necessary to sustain growth, according to House Committee on Housing Chair Luke A. Evslin.

Maui Now

Maui Planning Commission Rejects Bill To Save Thousands Of Vacation Rentals

Following more than two hours of passionate public testimony, the Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday stood firm, shooting down a bill to significantly weaken the impact of the anticipated phase-out of thousands of vacation rentals over the next five years.

Civil Beat

Hale Makua plans $160M health care complex, housing project on Maui

Hale Makua Health Services announced plans for a major expansion that includes a new innovative health care complex and workforce housing project.

Hawaii News Now

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election

The mayoral election on Nov. 3 will give voters their first opportunity since the fires to decide who should steer the county for the next four years as it grapples with those issues. With four months before the candidate filing deadline, Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura has emerged as Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s top challenger.

Civil Beat

HCF’s Maui Strong Fund and House Maui program award $6M to expand housing pathways for wildfire survivors

Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) today announced a combined award of $6.34 million to Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) to expand the Ua Hale A‘ela program, a transformative initiative providing safe, affordable housing and clear pathways to homeownership for families affected by the devastating Maui wildfires.

Maui Now

‘Vienna model’ bill advances to limit rental housing fund surpluses to more housing

A state Senate committee has advanced a bill that uses the “Vienna Model” of housing in Austria, where limited-profit housing associations create a sustainable cycle of money available for future development.

Maui Now

Schatz secures nearly $75M in new earmark funding, including housing and infrastructure on Maui

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured nearly $75 million in new congressional directed spending, also known as earmarks, for Hawai‘i in a bipartisan funding package approved by the Senate.

Maui Now

Experts confirm progress, outline challenges in governor’s housing plan

Gov. Josh Green identified housing as the epicenter of Hawaii’s cost of living crisis during his State of the State address, saying his administration has made significant progress on new construction.

Hawaii News Now

Housing dilemma: Maui Planning Commission strikes compromise between housing urgency and due diligence

The Maui Planning Commission unanimously recommended Tuesday that the Maui County Council defer action on the 1,608-unit Hoʻonani Village project near Kahului Airport until a draft environmental impact statement is published.

Maui Now

Maui braces for possible end to FEMA rental assistance and more housing strain for fire survivors

Nearly 1,000 households displaced by catastrophic wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui are anxiously awaiting word on whether federal assistance helping them stay housed will be left to expire, forcing them to find new housing or pay more for it in one of the tightest and most expensive rental environments in the country.

Associated Press

Creation of real property tax exemption proposed as incentive for affordable rentals

The Maui County Council gave initial approval Wednesday to Bill 168, which is aimed at creating a new real property tax exemption for homes rented at no more than 70% of their fair market value.

Maui Now

Bill To Save Thousands Of Maui Vacation Rentals Heads To Planning Commissions

Nearly a month after passing a version of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s bold plan to free up housing for residents by phasing out thousands of the island’s short-term vacation rentals, the Maui County Council on Wednesday advanced legislation that would reduce the number of affected units by more than half.

Civil Beat

Maui Council sends new hotel zoning for vacation rentals to planning commissions

Maui County Council members voted 8-1 Wednesday to move forward with a proposal to create new hotel zoning districts for thousands of vacation rentals, a measure designed to soften the economic blow of the county’s controversial short-term rental phase-out.

Maui Now

As expected, Bill 9 challenged in court; lawsuits seek to block short-term rental phaseout

A group of West Maui property owners has filed the first legal challenge against Maui County’s controversial Bill 9, days after Mayor Richard Bissen signed the legislation into law.

Maui Now

Maui Mayor Bissen signs short-term rental conversion bill into law

The Maui County Council passed Bill 9 today to phase out over 6,200 short-term rental units in South and West Maui and convert them into long-term housing for local residents following the final hearing. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen signed the measure into law today.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Maui County Council passes Bill 9 on second reading; new zoning on agenda for Friday

People in the gallery cheered Monday as the Maui County Council passed Bill 9 on second reading, approving a controversial measure that would phase thousands of transient-vacation rentals out of Maui’s apartment districts.

The Maui New

Mayor Bissen signs Bill 9 into law; says it will restore housing availability for residents

Mayor Richard Bissen today signed Bill 9 into law after Maui County Council approved the measure on second and final reading, marking what he calls “a historic step toward restoring housing availability for residents” and “realigning zoning policy with its original residential purpose.”

Maui Now

Hawai‘i Community Lending to celebrate 2025 triumphs, share plans for 2026

Hawai’i Community Lending (HCL), a nonprofit mortgage lender, announced the date for its second annual Hui Waiwai, to be held at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are now available for this inspirational event celebrating HCL’s accomplishments from the past year and looking ahead to next year, as HCL furthers its goal to solve Hawai‘i’s housing crisis.

Maui Now

Maui Council passes vacation rental phase-out bill on first reading with 5-3 vote

The Maui County Council passed the contentious Bill 9 on first reading Monday, advancing a measure that would phase out thousands of transient vacation rentals currently operating in apartment-zoned districts, mostly in South and West Maui.

Maui Now

Maui County Council Advances Plan To Phase Out Short-Term Vacation Rentals

The split council will take the legislation up for final reading in two weeks, and plans to hear a separate bill that could effectively exempt many of the roughly 7,000 affected properties.

Civil Beat

Report: Single-family housing dominates Maui construction as market rebalances in 2025

Maui County’s construction market is shifting sharply toward housing in 2025, with year-to-date activity reaching $513 million and single-family homes emerging as the island’s dominant construction driver, according to new data from Pacific Resource Partnership.

Maui Now

Maui Residential Rebuild Program designed to help wildfire-impacted residents

Hawaiʻi Energy has announced the Maui Residential Rebuild Program, a new partnership with the Hawaiian Council, designed to help wildfire-impacted residents rebuild their homes sustainably and affordably. This program provides ENERGY STAR certified appliances at no cost to eligible households, as well as additional subsidies toward a variety of energy-efficient upgrades for all qualifying rebuild projects.

Maui Now

Committee to meet Nov. 5 on Pulelehua and Hoʻonani Village mixed-use projects

A council committee will consider bills to change a zoning condition for the Pulelehua mixed-use project in Kahana and to change the zoning and amend the Maui Island Plan for the Hoʻonani Village mixed-use project in Pu‘unēnē at separate meetings on Wednesday, Council Member Tamara Paltin announced.

Maui Now

Maui Planning Commission defers consideration of larger ʻohana homes to build housing inventory

The Maui Planning Commission deferred consideration Tuesday of a draft bill to increase the allowable size of accessory dwelling units, also known as ʻohana homes, on smaller lots, a move intended to help address Maui County’s critical housing shortage.

Maui Now

Mayor Bissen urges Council to pass Bill 9, citing need to restore housing balance

Mayor Richard Bissen urged Maui County Council members to pass Bill 9, which would phase out apartment district properties operating as transient vacation rentals, arguing the move is critical to addressing direly needed long-term housing for residents.

Maui Now

Grand opening celebrates 200 affordable housing units in Lahaina

Holding his 4-year-old child Lavi, Maui electrician Etan Krupnick, whose family home burned in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, recalled his wait in temporary federal subsidized housing before finally finding an affordable three-bedroom rental at the new Kaiāulu o Kūku’ia.

The Maui News

Affordable housing deed extension bill revived after near-death experience

Maui County Council members killed a bill aimed at maintaining affordable workforce housing when they failed to muster a fifth vote needed for passage, even after the measure passed unanimously out of committee 8-0 last month. After a tense debate, however, they abruptly resurrected the bill by invoking a rarely used “vote for reconsideration.”

Maui Now

Kauhale village on Maui should be ready for first residents this month

A project that will provide 64 tiny homes for wildfire survivors and people experiencing homelessness on Maui will be the largest kauhale village in Hawaii outside of Oahu when it opens later this month.

Maui News

Council Housing and Land Use Committee advances bill to preserve workforce housing

Members of the Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee recommended passage of Bill 40 on Wednesday to maintain affordable housing through extended deed restrictions while giving the county more options to preserve workforce units.

Maui Now

Maui Chamber of Commerce launches “Maui Housing Future Survey” to address crisis

The Maui Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of an initiative, the “Maui Housing Future Survey: Assessing Resident Needs,” a community-wide effort to gather essential, real-time data to “directly combat Maui’s deepening housing crisis.”

Maui Now

Hale Mahaolu planned redevelopment of Front Street Apartments, meeting Oct. 15

Hale Mahaolu, a nonprofit affordable housing provider, has announced plans to redevelop the Front Street Apartments, which are owned by the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The redevelopment project is expected to provide 240 units of family housing for Maui residents.

Maui Now

Maui County withdraws EIS preparation notice for Hoʻonani Village housing project

Maui County has withdrawn its submission of an environmental impact statement preparation notice as part of the permitting process for the proposed Hoʻonani Village affordable rental housing project in Puʻunēnē. The county is stepping aside to make way for the state’s Land Use Commission as the project’s “accepting authority.”

Maui Now

Community Voice: The Truth About Maui’s Housing Crisis

Maui needs a coordinator for affordable housing and a community oversight board.

Civil Beat

Maui Council green-lights fast-track affordable housing at Kahului Civic Center site

Maui County Council members have unanimously approved a state, fast-tracked affordable housing, mixed-use development called Kaiahale ‘o Kahiluhilu.

Maui Now

Inaugural Ka Pewa Youth Summit inspires more than 200 Maui Nui students

The first-ever Ka Pewa Youth Summit brought together nearly 240 students from high schools across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

Maui Now

Community invited to shape Central Maui’s future

The public is invited to help shape the future of Central Maui by participating in a series of upcoming community design workshops. The Maui County Department of Planning is hosting the events to gather input for the Central Maui Community Plan update.

Maui Now

Community Voices: Kudos to the counties for considering housing reforms

You’ve heard much from me lately about how the state Legislature seems to have gotten serious about addressing Hawaii’s extreme lack of affordable housing — and there is recent progress at the county level to highlight as well.

Aloha State Daily

Hoʻokumu Hou first-time homebuyer program application period to close Sept. 30, 2025

Hoʻokumu Hou’s First-Time Homebuyer Opportunity Program application period will close Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, the County of Maui Office of Recovery announced at Wednesday night’s Lahaina Community Meeting. However, applications for Hoʻokumu Hou’s Single-Family Homeowner Reconstruction and Single-Family Homeowner Reimbursement programs will remain open.

Maui Now

Hoʻokama Hou applicants urged to go through Maui County for information

The Maui County Office of Recovery warns residents applying for its Hoʻokumu Hou housing program of potential fraud by third-party entities and to seek official information directly through the county.

Spectrum News

Kahului tiny home village to replace temporary tent shelter, leaving advocates worried where houseless residents will go

Lahaina fire survivors living at the temporary tent shelter across from the Kahului Airport are worried they could be back out on the street after the state opens in September a new village of 62 tiny homes being constructed on the same 1.5-acre property.

Maui Now

Council postpones vote on Waiehu housing project after debate over public input

After a lengthy debate over process and public input, the Maui County Council delayed action Tuesday on a resolution that would grant exemptions and modifications to the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua affordable housing project in Waiehu.

Maui Now

No significant environmental impact determined for Waiʻale Road extension

Maui County’s Department of Public Works has issued a determination of no significant environmental impacts for a $73 million project to extend Waiʻale Road 1.6 miles in Waikapū.

Maui Now

Council panel moves ahead with Kahului housing project, sparks debate over water availability

A unanimous vote by the Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee to advance an affordable housing project in Kahului drew criticism Wednesday from West Maui Council Member Tamara Paltin.

Maui Now

Mayor signs bills for the Honuaʻula project, setting course for mixed housing in South Maui

Mayor Richard Bissen has signed two bills clearing the way for the development of 1,150 homes — both market-priced and workforce units — in the Honuaʻula master-planned community project south of Maui Meadows in South Maui.

Maui Now

After Maui wildfires, Study sheds light on housing decisions

Maui Housing Hui, in collaboration with the University at Albany and the University of North Texas, will host a Talk Story event on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, to present new research findings on housing decision-making following the Maui wildfires.

Maui Now

Maui Strong Fund: Two years of impact and hope after the wildfires

Two years after the devastating Maui wildfires of August 2023, the Hawai’i Community Foundation has released its Maui Strong Fund Two-Year Impact Report.

Maui Now

Hawaiian Community Assets becomes first NeighborWorks America chartered member

In a historic milestone for Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) has officially joined the NeighborWorks America network, a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports housing and community development nationwide.

Maui Now

Rebuilding progress: 90 Lahaina homeowners complete no-cost property surveys

Through the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), 90 homeowners in Lahaina and Kula have been able to complete property surveys at no cost.

Maui Now

County conveys land to Hale Makua for community development

Major aspects of a master plan by Hale Makua that has been in the works for nearly a decade got a strong vote of confidence Tuesday.

Maui News

Post-wildfire housing stability improvements on Maui reflected in surveys

A running monthly survey of people affected by Maui’s wildfire disaster nearly two years ago suggests that some market rental housing rates have begun to come down after spikes tied to emergency needs.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

How projects compete for the state’s hundreds of millions pegged for affordable housing

One of the state’s biggest investments over the last decade has been to subsidize affordable housing. Over the next two years alone, the state Legislature has invested $200 million into its Rental Housing Revolving Fund.

Hawaii Public Radio

Displaced Lahaina fire survivors eager to rebuild with help from $1.6 billion federal grant

Kelcy Durbin and her family are in a time crunch for multiple reasons to rebuild the home they lost in the August 2023 wildfire in Lahaina.

Maui Now

New housing opens for medical students on Maui

A blessing was held Sunday on Maui for new housing for medical students attending the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).

Hawaii News Now

Maui vacation rental conversion bill passes initial vote

A divided Maui County Council committee has approved a controversial bill to prohibit short-term vacation rental use in about 6,100 condominiums that may somewhat replenish housing inventory lost to wildfire nearly two years ago.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Maui panel passes bill curbing vacation rentals to boost housing supply after Lahaina wildfire

Lawmakers on Maui passed legislation Thursday aimed at eliminating a large percentage of the Hawaiian island’s vacation rentals to address a housing shortage exacerbated by the wildfire that destroyed most of Lahaina in August 2023.

Beat of Hawaii

Shock Vote: Maui Committee Passes Rental Ban Proposal

Maui just moved one step closer to its planned major rental crackdown. Travelers, owners, and residents are now watching what happens next and wondering what today’s surprise vote really means.

Beat of Hawaii

Maui County Council approves bill to ban short-term rentals

A bill to ban short-term rentals in apartment zones on Maui was approved on Thursday.

KITV

Maui Plan To Phase Out Thousands Of Short-Term Rentals Advances

Some council members voted with reservations and expressed frustration at how the process has pitted members of the community against each other.

Civil Beat

This Battle Over Maui Rentals Just Hit A Boiling Point

Maui’s vacation rental battle has dragged on for well over a year. This week’s Council committee hearing ended with no vote, no timeline, and no resolution—just more uncertainty for everyone involved.

Beat of Hawaii

Maui County Council answers questions on Bill 9 as committee members reconvene for deliberations

A newsletter with information on a proposal to phase out transient vacation rental use in apartment districts is being delivered to homes across Maui County this week, Council Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Tasha Kama announced today.

Maui Now

Hawaii housing market shifts: Condo sales down statewide, single-family homes mixed

Six months into 2025, the housing market across all islands has fluctuated compared to the first half of 2024.

Pacific Business News

Better late than never: ‘Ohana Hope Village nears completion 2 years after Maui wildfires

Just 11 days after the devastating Maui wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, the privately funded ‘Ohana Hope Village broke ground in Kahului, moving fast to provide housing for people who had lost their homes.

Maui Now

Looking to boost housing, Maui County Council OKs new law allowing ‘kitchenettes’

A new ordinance seeks to expand housing options in residential and rural districts on Maui and Lanai by allowing a “kitchenette” cooking area in a single dwelling in addition to a regular kitchen.

Maui News

Day and night closures on Puʻunēnē Avenue for affordable housing project

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies highway users of nighttime road closures and daytime lane closures on Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) for sewer line work.

Maui Now

Hoʻōla Maui launches Disaster Case Management program for Lahaina wildfire survivors

The Hoʻōla Maui Long Term Recovery Group announced the launch of its expanded Disaster Case Management and Survivor Support program, designed to provide holistic comprehensive, culturally-sensitive assistance to those affected by the Lahaina wildfire, regardless of their FEMA application status.

Maui Now

Uncertainty clouds Maui housing market with slow sales and lingering inventory

Condo sales and sale prices are down, listings have decreased and single home sale prices are flat.

Maui News

Gov. Green signs bills to tackle housing bottlenecks, fund nonprofits

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., concluded the bill signing season by holding the final two bill signing ceremonies on Wednesday, which highlighted measures focused on addressing some of Hawaiʻi’s most pervasive challenges.

Maui Now

Maui’s vacation rental conversion bill remains in limbo

The Maui County Council spent seven hours of a public hearing behind closed doors Wednesday discussing the legalities — and likely legal defense — of a proposal to convert 6,100 short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Update: Council panel recesses vacation rental deliberations until July 23

Update: The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee reconvened its deliberations on Bill 9 at 3:43 p.m. Wednesday after a closed executive session that went on for more than six hours. Later, the panel recessed until 9 a.m. July 23.

Maui Now

After Lahaina burned, an experiment in housing the most vulnerable

An experiment in Lahaina, Maui, is providing prefabricated homes to those affected by the wildfires almost two years ago.

The Washington Post

Inside The ‘Out-Of-Control’ Debate Over Axing Maui Vacation Rentals

The Maui County Council plans to start deliberations next week on legislation aimed at converting thousands of short-term rentals into affordable housing.

Civil Beat

Owners claim Maui residents can’t afford converted vacation rentals, UH study says otherwise

Owners and managers of Maui short-term vacation rentals have argued during two days of public hearings that local residents cannot afford the rent if 6,100 units are converted into long-term housing, as proposed by Mayor Richard Bissen.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Maui council to continue hearing testimonies on short-term rental conversion bill

Maui County councilmembers will head into day three of public testimony regarding a controversial bill to phase out thousands of short-term rentals on June 23, with the community divided on the cause as Lahaina fire survivors and short-term rental owners bring heated testimony to the hearings.

KHON

Maui vacation rental bill continues to draw passionate testimony from both sides

When it comes to short-term rentals, Maui County is approaching a critical decision point. Mayor Richard Bissen wants to increase the number of rental units available for locals. Opponents say that would hurt tourism and local jobs.

Hawaii Public Radio

Testimony continues over bill to ban thousands of Maui vacation rentals

The fight over housing on Maui continues as councilmembers decide whether to phase out thousands of vacation rentals.

Hawaii News Now

Maui residents’ recovery sees gains, but health and housing challenges persist

Nearly two years after the devastating August 2023 wildfires, new findings from the largest post-disaster health study in Hawaiʻi’s history—led by the University of Hawaiʻi—paint a complex picture: steady progress in some areas of recovery, but continued health and housing challenges, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.

University of Hawaii News

Affordable Housing Gets A Big Boost In Maui County’s $1.56 Billion Budget

Maui County Council members said the budget is aimed at catching up on development projects and social services after years of being focused on the wildfires and Covid-19.

Civil Beat

Emotions Are High As Maui Considers Phasing Out Short-Term Rentals

Dozens of people turned out to testify on Mayor Richard Bissen’s effort to convert short-term rentals into long-term housing in a bid to ease the affordable housing crisis.

Civil Beat

Maui Vacation Rental Ban Moves Forward Amid Growing Outrage

Maui’s housing crisis is about to clash head-on with its visitor economy. Thousands of short-term rentals may be on the chopping block—and big changes are already in play.

Beat of Hawaii

West Maui teacher housing project hopes to bring stability to Lahaina classrooms

A new $20 million housing project for West Maui educators just broke ground. The rental complex will feature 47 units and provide much-needed housing for teachers displaced by the fires.

Hawaii Public Radio

Community Voice: Uncertain Outcomes Raised In Phasing Out Maui Short-Term Rentals

The county’s plan does not adequately address affordable housing and could deliver a serious blow to the local economy.

Civil Beat

HIDOE breaks ground on Lahaina educator housing project

The state Department of Education held a blessing and groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning for a $20 million rental housing development for educators and school staff in Lahaina.

Maui Now

Maui Council Funds Affordable Housing, New Program To Help Working Poor

Council members at first wanted to trim the budget. Instead they added programs to help residents struggling to make ends meet.

Civil Beat

Lahaina fire survivors find new sense of community as Ka Laʻi Ola housing nears completion

Ka Laʻi Ola is the state’s modular home community that will include 450 units and house about 1,500 residents who didn’t qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

Hawaii Public Radio

Buying a home on Maui ‘impossible’ for a typical family, researchers say

In a newly-released report, researchers on the Valley Isle declared “we are at a critical crossroads in Maui’s history,” when it comes to the island’s housing crisis, which was exacerbated by the 2023 fires.

KITV

Support grows to rebuild Lahaina homeless shelter

With $8 million committed to providing emergency shelter and affordable housing in Lahaina, a Maui group is moving forward to rebuild at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina following the 2023 fire.

Maui News

Applications now available for Hale O Piʻikea 1 affordable rental housing project in Kīhei

Applications are now being accepted for Hale O Piʻikea I, the first phase of a County-supported, three-phase affordable rental housing initiative by ʻIkenākea Development that will deliver 223 rental homes upon completion.

Maui Now

LCLT Report: Zero homes sold within typical Maui residents’ financial reach in 2024

The Lahaina Community Land Trust’s “Keeping Lahaina Home,” authored in partnership with Native Hawaiian data scientist Matt Jachowski, seeks to shed light on “how despite our best intentions, most of the homes that we continue to build are not actually meant for our local families.”

Maui Now

HCF Maui Strong Fund grant helps restore emergency shelter and housing in Lahaina

The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF), through its Maui Strong Fund, has committed up to $8 million to help restore a vital emergency shelter and affordable housing facility in Lahaina, closing a critical funding gap for Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers Inc. (KHAKO), one of the island’s longest-standing service providers for Maui’s unhoused.

Maui Now

Affordable housing project breaks ground on Maui with wildfire survivors given priority

On Maui, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new affordable housing complex on Friday.

Hawaii News Now

Report: Maui short-term rental ban would bring big economic shocks

Maui could pay a hefty price that includes losing close to 2,000 jobs and $1 billion in annual visitor spending for turning a special class of vacation rental units into housing.

The Garden Island

In Maui, architects are turning surfboard waste into new housing

Hawaii Off Grid is using foam scraps to make insulated blocks for housing—a solution that’s actually stronger and more energy efficient than the original.

Fast Company

Fair Housing Month Conference, April 24

The Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) and agencies statewide are hosting a free Fair Housing Month Conference on April 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to promote awareness and understanding of fair housing laws.

Maui Now

Maui Faces Fallout As Mayor Escalates Rental Ban Fight

Fallout from Maui’s proposed vacation rental ban is spreading—even before a final vote occurs.

Beat of Hawaii

Nāpili affordable housing bill clears first reading

Maui County Council members passed on first reading Friday morning a bill that sets aside $650,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund as a grant to A0746 Lahaina L.P. for pre-development costs for a project in Nāpili.

Maui Now

Maui Council To Take Up Bill Phasing Out Vacation Rentals This Summer

The council’s housing committee chair says she’ll put it on the agenda after county budget deliberations.

Civil Beat

Maui’s mayor wants to ban Airbnbs to make housing more affordable for locals. Researchers say it could cause an economic shock

An unprecedented proposal from Maui’s mayor to phase out vacation rentals would alleviate a severe housing shortage aggravated by the 2023 wildfires but would also shrink the economy, University of Hawaii economists said in a report published Monday.

Fortune

Phasing out Maui short-term rentals would increase housing but hit economy, UHERO report says

A new study found there would be both positive and negative economic impacts if Maui County’s proposal moves forward to phase out nearly half of Maui’s transient vacation rental properties.

Hawaii Public Radio

Study: Maui Should Be Cautious In Phasing Out Vacation Rentals

Economists lay out the good and the bad of the mayor’s proposal to convert thousands of short-term units to long-term housing.

Civil Beat

Maui transient vacation rental phaseout—more housing, fewer jobs

A new report from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, examines the economic implications of a proposal to phase out transient vacation rentals (TVRs) in Maui County’s Apartment zoning districts.

University of Hawaii News

Maui Mayor proposes vacation rentals phase out to create affordable housing

Mayor Richard Bissen proposed this idea after thousands were left homeless by the 2023 fire disaster exacerbating the island’s housing crisis.

Hawaii News Now

Maui Won’t Be Converting Vacation Rentals To Long-Term Housing Anytime Soon

A phased-in approach was to begin July 1 but the council has yet to take up the mayor’s proposal.

Civil Beat

Public comment welcome on Lahaina homeowner recommendations for Disaster Recovery Action Plan

The community is invited to comment on eight homeowner recommendations developed by Hawaiʻi Community Lending and Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group.

Maui Now

Bill for test well near Launiupoko advances

Maui County Council members are looking at what might be a potential source of fresh water near Lahaina that hasn’t been used as much since sugarcane was cultivated by the Pioneer Mill Company.

Maui News

Hoonani Village project would add 1,600 rental units to Central Maui

A proposed mixed-use, master-planned community adjacent to the Puunene area on Maui would add 1,600 units of rental housing to central Maui, with planned workforce and market-rate units as well as commercial and recreational space.

Pacific Business News

Council Budget Committee questions unspent appropriations from Affordable Housing Fund

The Maui County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee has questions about nearly $12 million in unspent and unencumbered funds in the County’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Maui Now

5 Lahaina homes to be rebuilt through multi-organization partnership

More than half of the 1,355 homes destroyed in the Lahaina wildfires were owner-occupied. Five of those families will get new homes thanks to a multi-organization partnership.

Hawaii Public Radio

Maui Housing Hui hosts free Renter’s Rights Training on March 24

As Maui faces growing housing challenges in the wake of the 2023 wildfires, renters are increasingly encountering issues such as unclear lease terms, unexpected eviction notices, and disputes over security deposits.

Maui Now

Hoʻonani Village proposed on 166 acre parcel makai of Hansen Road in Kahului

Approximately 1,600 residential apartment units are planned for the proposed Hoʻolani Village in Kahului. The project, by Hoʻonani Development LLC, proposes the construction of a high density, master-planned, mixed-use community on 166 acres makai of Hansen Road.

Maui Now

UHERO: Persistent income, employment, housing challenges 1.5 years after the Maui wildfires

Nearly a year and a half after the devastating August 2023 wildfires, new survey results from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) highlight persistent housing unaffordability, elevated poverty and unemployment rates, and ongoing economic hardship among fire-impacted households on Maui.

Maui Now

$1.6B in federal recovery funding coming to Maui will focus on housing

If all goes as planned, $1.6 billion in recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will help the Lahaina community get back on its feet. It’s known as Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding, and it comes with strict requirements.

Hawaii Public Radio

Modular home hauling to Lahaina continues

Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the state’s Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina.

Maui Now

Affordable Housing in South Maui

What is an “Affordable House?” Good question. The South Maui Community Plan champions the idea that affordable housing is no more than 30% of a household budget. Any more than that, and you are considered rent or home burdened.

Kihei Community Association

Maui Planning Commission holds off decision-making on Honuaʻula; public testimony nearly 9-1 opposed

Maui Planning Commission members heard nearly six hours of public testimony Tuesday in Kīhei, with 58 of 66 testifiers opposed to developer requests for land-use amendments for the Honuaʻula master-planned community, a hotly debated 670-acre development south of Maui Meadows and mauka of Piʻilani Highway in South Maui.

Maui Now

Maui residents divided over how long-awaited housing project should move forward

Residents are divided over a long-awaited housing project in South Maui.

Hawaii News Now

Maui mayor’s county address emphasizes determination and housing

Mayor Richard Bissen highlighted in the 2025 State of the County Address Maui’s determination shown in their unwavering progress and recovery.

KITV

Hale O Piʻikea III affordable housing on Maui is backed by $15.4M in financing

Hunt Capital Partners announced work on the final phase of the Hale O Pi‘ikea affordable housing development in South Maui.

Maui Now

Hunt Capital Partners closes nearly $15.5M in financing for Maui housing development

Hunt Capital Partners has closed on about $15.5 million in financing for the third and final phase of an affordable housing development on Maui.

Pacific Business News

Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. to present 2025 State of the County Address on March 7

The public is invited to attend the 2025 State of the County Address, which will be presented by Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr. from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Maui Now

Should neighborhoods build more densely after Lahaina fire? This bill would allow it

Before he lost his house in the Lahaina fire, Jeremy Delos Reyes watched his neighbors turn their garage carport into the fourth bedroom of their home as they tried to fit more people in a limited space.

Hawaii Journalism Initiative

More homes will be hauled to Lahaina

Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the state’s Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina.

Maui Now

Survey: Crime and safety, affordable housing, cost of living among top concerns for Hawaii residents

Despite the state’s efforts to address the housing crisis and high cost of living, a new survey shows more than half of residents still feel Hawaii is on the wrong track.

Hawaii News Now

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation launches new podcast Ka Pewa hosted by Kanoa Leahey

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation has launched its new podcast, Ka Pewa, hosted by Kanoa Leahey.

Maui Now

Hawaii Community Foundation launches new podcast

A new podcast by Hawaii Community Foundation takes a look at how leaders from across the state coming from diverse sectors navigate challenges to find innovative solutions to strengthen Hawaii.

Spectrum News

$2.25M awarded for new transitional housing for healthcare workers impacted by Lahaina wildfire

The Maui Health Foundation has received a $2.25 million grant from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund for the construction of up to 15 additional transitional housing units for healthcare professionals directly impacted by the August 2023 Lahaina fire.

Maui Now

Housing pressures increase on Maui as assistance ends

Sumithra Balraj is moving back to her fire-ravaged Lahaina condominium before completing reconstruction after getting a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency seeking $2,300 in monthly rent for a unit that was once free since she was displaced from her housing by the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires.

Star Advertiser

Hawaii kauhale ‘villages’ for homeless go far beyond tiny homes

Hawaii could see its biggest one-time investment ever from state leaders this year to house the homeless.

Star Advertiser

Bill in Hawaiʻi Legislature would speed up rebuilding of affordable housing complexes destroyed in Lahaina fire

Six lawmakers, including Maui senators Angus McKelvey and Troy Hashimoto, have introduced a bill in the State Legislature that would make it easier to rebuild four affordable housing complexes that burned in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

Maui Now

Bill proposes SMA permit exemptions for rebuilding in Lahaina historic district

Rebuilding in historic Lahaina town would not require special management area permits, under a bill introduced by West Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey, if the structure was destroyed by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire and planned reconstruction stays within the footprint of structure that stood before the disaster.

Maui Now

Testify to Keep the South Maui Community Plan Community-Friendly 1/28/2025

The Maui Planning Commission (MPC) has a meeting on Tuesday, January 28 at 3pm to continue working on the South Maui Community Plan (SMCP).

Kihei Community Association

Green Wants To Extend Excise Tax Surcharge On Neighbor Islands

The measure to leave the surcharge in place for an additional 17 years is expected to win strong support from Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi County officials.

Civil Beat

Editorial: Take urgent action on housing needs

To hear Gov. Josh Green tell it, the state is making considerable headway to meet the housing needs of its people.

Star Advertiser

Letter: Concerned about housing lack for our local families

I am an 81-year-old man who has been concerned about the lack of housing for our local families for the past 35 years.

Maui News

Off the news: FEMA extends Maui monetary, housing aid

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has once again extended aid to Maui residents impacted by the August 2023 West Maui fire disaster.

Star Advertiser

There’s more FEMA housing for Lahaina fire survivors, but they’ll have to pay rent soon

A Federal Emergency Management Agency modular home site in Lahaina called Kilohana will be ready to house residents next Friday. That’s according to FEMA Regional Administrator Bob Fenton.

Hawaii Public Radio

Expect traffic delays with night hauling of Kilohana temporary modular homes

Maui traffic delays can be expected from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16-17, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation.

Maui Now

Kūpuna wildfire survivors eligible for affordable housing initiative

Kūpuna impacted by the August 2023 wildfires are eligible for low-income senior housing in an initiative launched by the nonprofit J. Walter Cameron Center in response to the island’s post-disaster housing crisis.

Maui Now

Draft environmental assessment details Waiʻale Road extension project

A draft environmental assessment has been completed for an 1.6-mile, southerly extension of Waiʻale Road that would, literally, pave the way for the Waikapū Country Town development.

Maui Now

Na Hale Kupuna Project provides affordable housing for kupuna affected by Maui wildfires

In response to the housing crisis caused by the August 2023 wildfires in Maui, the J. Walter Cameron Center is launching the Nā Hale Kūpuna (NHK) Project, an affordable housing initiative for low-income senior residents affected by the disaster.

County of Maui

Kupuna who survived Maui wildfires offered affordable housing

Housing relief is on the way for kupuna who survived the Maui wildfires.

Hawaii News Now

Affordable Housing proposals sought before Friday deadline

The County of Maui Department of Housing is reminding the public that a deadline is approaching on request for proposals seeking affordable housing projects that will be funded by the Affordable Housing Fund in Fiscal Year 2026.

Maui Now

Median price of single-family homes drops to $1.3 million, down from record high of $1.4 million in September

The median price of a single-family home on Maui was $1.3 million in October, down $100,000, or 7.1% from the all-time high of $1.4 million, posted in September, according to monthly statistics from the Realtors Association of Maui.

Maui Now

Pāʻia Sugar Mill development plans set for Maui TechOhana discussion Nov. 20

Plans for the Pāʻia Sugar Mill will be discussed during a Maui TechOhana meeting from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono St., Suite 5, in Kīhei. Seating is limited. The event also may be seen via livestream.

Maui Now

Water commission appointee takes seat over advocates’ objections

Gov. Josh Green’s two key appointees to the state water commission officially started work Thursday. The appointments have brought new attention to the debate over whether taro farmers and affordable housing are in competition for water.

Hawaii News Now

Habitat for Humanity Maui receives $3M donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez to support affordable housing efforts

Habitat for Humanity Maui announced it is the recipient of a $3 million donation from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. This contribution, one of the largest in the organization’s history, will directly support Habitat Maui’s ongoing efforts to address Maui’s urgent need for affordable housing, especially in light of the recent wildfires and the worsening housing crisis on the island, organization leaders said.

Maui Now

Rebuilding hundreds of affordable housing units burned in Lahaina fire is key priority of county’s recovery plan

Busaba Yip wiped away tears as she thought about the long grieving process she’d gone through since losing her home and job last year in the Lahaina fire.

Maui Now

Maui Council adopts resolution on recycled water in effort to preserve potable water for affordable housing

The Maui County Council today adopted Resolution 24-161, CD1, urging the county administration to prioritize the use of recycled water to support various purposes and preserve potable water for residential uses.

Maui Now

Maui Business Panel

A lack of affordable housing, inflation and a reduced number of visitors to the Valley Isle were top-of-mind for the panelists of Pacific Business News’ Maui Business Panel, held on Oct. 4 at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

Pacific Business News

South Maui community meeting centers around development concerns

Several South Maui residents came together Wednesday night at the ProArts Theater in Kihei to discuss a variety of topics ranging from road development and water management to affordable housing and controversial luxury home developments in the area.

Maui News

Hawaii Governor: Fewer Short-Term Rentals, More Climate Resilience and Sports Tourism

Governor Josh Green sat down with Skift about his vision for Hawaii and Maui’s future. Green wants to see Hawaii have more sporting events, fewer short-term rentals, and a more resilient Maui

Skift

Maui County housing prices reach all-time high while sales volume drops in September

The median price of a single-family home came in at more than $1.4 million in September — an all-time high, according to the Realtors Association of Maui.

Maui Now

Rolling lottery planned for healthcare professionals at transitional housing development in Kahului, Maui

Maui Health Foundation’s Housing for Healthcare initiative is accepting interest from healthcare professionals for 31 transitional housing units in Kahului, including 16 brand new, 4-bedroom, single-family homes, and 15 accessory dwelling units (‘ohana units).

Maui Now

Op-Ed: Supporting a balanced approach to Maui’s housing crisis

Housing affordability is one of the most critical issues facing our community today. As the president of the REALTORS Association of Maui, I want to emphasize our commitment to fairness, transparency, and responsible practices in the real estate industry.

Maui Now

Draft Lahaina Recovery Plan Reflects Desires Of Residents, County Says

Maui County released a draft of the Lahaina Long-Term Recovery Plan on Monday after hearing from more than 3,800 community members during several public meetings, surveys and interviews from September 2023 to July 2024.

Civil Beat

Feedback conflicting on how to rebuild Lahaina

Survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire expressed both clear and often conflicting opinions on how to rebuild the historic fishing village, with many participants in community engagement sessions on long-term recovery calling for better communications and other technological upgrades to respond to future emergencies, climate change and sea-level rise.

Star Advertiser

Short-term rentals, housing after fire among top issues in Maui County Council races

On social media, there’s an ad that features a political candidate standing along the shoreline, smiling in a purple mu‘umu‘u.

Maui Now

More modular homes to be transported to Lahaina

Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as more modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina, on Saturday night, Oct. 19 and the following Saturday night, Oct. 26.

Maui Now

Maui Strong Fund grants available for post-wildfire housing and mental health programs

Three new Maui Strong Fund opportunities are available as grants for programs that address solutions for interim- and long-term housing and mental health assistance, the Hawai‘i Community Foundation announced.

Maui Now

County approves building permits for Kahoma Village reconstruction in Lahaina

The County of Maui has approved with conditions building permits for Kahoma Village to reconstruct four multi-family buildings totaling 24 units that were destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires.

Maui News

Letter: How many more residents will be forced to move?

Last month, Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee Chair Tasha Kama heard from renters who begged for help after rents skyrocketed after the Lahaina wildfire tragedy.

Maui News

FEMA approves state request to extend temporary housing assistance for Maui wildfire survivors through February 2026

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially approved a one-year extension of the Individuals and Households Programs (IHP) for the state of Hawai’i, providing crucial support to survivors of the devastating Maui wildfires.

Maui News

Maui wildfire survivors will get an additional year of housing help from FEMA

Survivors of last year’s deadly wildfire that decimated a historic Maui town will receive an additional year of housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

NPR

Maui wildfire survivors will get an additional year of housing help from FEMA

Survivors of last year’s deadly wildfire that decimated a historic Maui town will receive an additional year of housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Associated Press

FEMA approves extension of temporary housing assistance for Maui wildfire survivors

Maui wildfire survivors are getting an extra year of temporary housing assistance.

Hawaii News Now

Free home design plans offered to Maui residents who lost homes in the August wildfires

A collaboration between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and local AIA Maui chapter architectural firms including Hawaii Off Grid Architecture + Engineering provides support to homeowners who survived the Maui wildfires in the form of free or reduced-cost home design plans and rebuilding assistance.

Spectrum News

Editorial: More aid, housing for fire survivors

It’s not so unexpected that survivors of the devastating Lahaina and Kula fires of August 2023 continue to suffer from lost income, joblessness, higher costs of living and housing insecurity more than a year after the disaster.

Star Advertiser 

Governor Josh Green signs the ninth proclamation relating to affordable housing

Governor Josh Green, M.D., on Friday signed the Ninth Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing, bolstering efforts to build more than 13,000 affordable housing units for working-class families over the next three years.

Maui News

FEMA’s temporary housing for wildfire survivors extended to February 2026

At the request of the state of Hawai’i, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved a one-year extension of the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), including Financial Assistance and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for survivors of the Maui wildfires.

Maui News

Gov. Green signs Ninth Proclamation for affordable housing

Gov. Josh Green signed a proclamation today, relating to affordable housing, placing a “pause” on the automatic adoption of county building codes.

Maui Now

Amid housing crisis, Maui lawmaker proposes to use recycled water for affordable homes

A Maui lawmaker said he has a solution to mitigate the county’s ongoing housing crisis.

KITV

FEMA extends housing assistance for Lahaina wildfire survivors

Lahaina wildfire survivors will get another year of badly needed FEMA temporary housing assistance. This extension provides a much-needed extra year of relief, but the expensive housing market still burdens families.

ASAM News

Maui households report severe food and employment challenges post-wildfires

Maui households hit by last year’s wildfires are facing alarming struggles, according to a new survey from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.

Hawaii Public Radio

A small church on Maui has a mighty mission to help the housing crisis

A small church on Maui has a mighty mission to help the housing crisis

Hawaii News Now

Proposed resolution aims to increase use of Maui’s recycled water, stretches into Lahaina rebuild

A new resolution making its way through the Maui County Council discusses the use of recycled water on Maui but mixes in language regarding Lahaina rebuild, sparking concerns amongst residents and council members.

Maui News

Small Maui church takes on big mission by building homes for fire survivors

A new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization finds that households who lived, worked or owned businesses in West Maui and Kula at the time of the 2023 wildfires continue to struggle with housing costs and stability, economic recovery and access to resources.

Hawaii News Now

Report finds fire survivors struggling with housing, poverty

A new report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization finds that households who lived, worked or owned businesses in West Maui and Kula at the time of the 2023 wildfires continue to struggle with housing costs and stability, economic recovery and access to resources.

Spectrum News

Ka La’i Ola interim housing to be discussed this morning at Kīhei Lutheran Church

Kimo Carvalho, executive director of HomeAid Hawaiʻi, will discuss “Ka Laʻi Ola: A HomeAid Hawaii Interim Housing Development Program for Maui Wildfire Survivors” at 11:45 a.m. today at Kīhei Lutheran Church, according to an announcement from the Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea.

Maui Now

Council committee to take up proposed resolution to prioritize recycled water use

The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday to discuss a resolution urging the county administration to prioritize the use of recycled water and preserve potable water for affordable housing and other residential uses, Council Member Tom Cook announced Monday.

Maui Now

Could Maui Become the New Florida?

To understand what might happen to Maui, it is helpful to look at Florida’s own transformation.

Beat of Hawaii

Advocates, lawmakers on Maui clash over rent stabilization, affordable housing

As more Maui residents mull over whether to leave the island amid an ongoing housing crisis, advocates and lawmakers have been debating over how to approach affordable housing.

KITV

Imagine Maui being an even more expensive place to live than it is now

What’s at stake, and why is it important to get the regulatory conditions right in the rebuilding of Lahaina?

Hawaiʻi Free Press

State housing agency approves acquisition of wildfire-demolished Front Street Apartments

The Hawaiʻi Housing Finance & Development Corp. Board of Directors approved last month a proposed public acquisition of the Front Street Apartments destroyed in the Aug. 8-9, 2023, Lahaina wildfire disaster, although there was some uncertainty about rebuilding in the burn zone.

Maui Now

Maui family of 5 now homeless due to ripple effect of fire disaster

A Maui family of five is facing homelessness as a ripple effect of last year’s fire disaster.

Hawaii News Now

Rent stabilization cut down by Chair Tasha Kama at Housing and Land Use Committee meeting

The Housing and Land Use Committee met in Wailuku on Wednesday, Sept. 25, reconvening from a Sept. 16 meeting.

Maui News

Civil Beat Survey: Maui Residents Say County Response To Lahaina Fire Falls Short

Civil Beat recently asked hundreds of Maui residents a number of questions about policies and confidence in county leaders.

Civil Beat

Stand Up Maui releases a dozen policy statements aimed at low-income housing needs

The housing advocacy group Stand Up Maui is asking Maui County legislators and other policymakers to consider a dozen policies to help meet the housing needs of low-income residents.

Maui Now

R-1 water resolution sent to Water and Infrastructure Committee

Maui County Council members decided Friday to take a “deeper dive” into the county’s ongoing efforts to increase production and expansion of recycled wastewater to make more drinking water available for housing and other uses.

Maui Now

Maui housing committee chair says no to ‘rent stabilization’

Elected officials on Maui will not consider rent stabilization after all.

Hawaii News Now

Pushback: Maui rent stabilization stopped before it’s started

Even before a bill’s drafted to rein in Maui’s runaway long-term rental increases, the chair of the Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee said she’s not considering any legislation that regulates rent.

Maui Now

Community Voice: How Maui County’s Deed Restrictions May Be Affecting Access To Housing

Our research provides alternatives and a path forward for the county.

Civil Beat

Lagging Maui recovery, slower overall Hawaiʻi growth, UHERO forecasts

Hawaiʻi’s economic outlook continues to be a story of two economies: a Maui economy that will only gradually recover from its post-wildfire downturn; and the other counties as a group, whose visitor industries will continue to operate at a high level, and whose macroeconomic conditions will remain broadly favorable.

University of Hawaii News

Hawaii’s economy faces labor shortage, housing crisis, rising Maui rents

According to the latest study from UH’s Economic Research Organization, the dichotomy of Hawaii’s economy is persistent.

KITV

Nighttime transport of Ka Laʻi Ola modular homes between Kahului and Lahaina

Motorists are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului to the Ka Laʻi Ola housing site in Lahaina, beginning Friday night, Sept. 20 through Tuesday night, Sept. 24.

Maui Now

Tiny home for kupuna blessed on Na‘iwa Homestead in Molokai

More than 20 years after he moved onto his homestead land on Molokai, Woodrow Poepoe has a home to live in, complete with electric lights and running water.

Maui News

Skyrocketing housing prices spark rent stabilization discussion on Maui

Maui residents are calling for rent stabilization to help control skyrocketing housing prices

Hawaii News Now

Maui housing crisis at forefront of Land Use committee discussion

Numerous residents of all ages testified Monday night during the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee meeting Tuesday discussing the possible effects of rent stabilization on the island.

Maui News

Maui single-family home sales rise, median prices increase in August

Maui’s housing market saw an increase in home sales in August of 2024, with single-family homes experiencing both a rise in sales and an increase in median prices, according to the latest data from the Realtors Association of Maui (RAM).

Maui News

Rent stabilization considered to slow runaway post-disaster housing costs

Rent stabilization is legal, but will it work to help residents at the mercy of landlords seeking the highest possible return on their Maui property investments?

Maui Now

Maui Housing Advocates Push For Rent Control Bill To Cap Soaring Prices

A proposal aimed at stabilizing rents got its first hearing before the Housing and Land Use Committee.

Civil Beat

Stand Up Maui awards certificate of appreciation to Lahaina Strong for long-term housing advocacy

Stand Up Maui (SUM) held its annual Board of Directors meeting at a private residence in Kula on Aug. 10. SUM used their annual meeting to speak with Richard “Remi” Mitchell, Director of the newly created Department of Housing for Maui County.

Maui Now

Tiny home for kūpuna blessed on Nāʻiwa Homestead

More than 20 years after he moved onto his homestead land on Moloka‘i, Woodrow Poepoe has a home to live in, complete with electric lights and running water.

Maui Now

Maui’s housing crisis persists with building barriers worsened by the wildfires

Maui residents have been experiencing a massive housing shortage. Some might say, “Just build more houses.”

Hawaii Public Radio

Tom Cook: Creating opportunities through hardships

Everyone agrees there is a need for additional housing on Maui.

Maui News

What Maui’s Vacation Rental Crisis Can Learn From Greece and Bali

How do you feel about Maui’s plan to eliminate 7,000 vacation rentals?

Beat of Hawaii

Hawaiian Community Assets celebrates grand opening of new office in Wailuku, Maui

Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) celebrated the opening of its newest office in Wailuku, Maui, with a special grand opening ceremony held on Tuesday.

Maui Now

Members Of Congress Question Response To Maui Disaster

At an oversight hearing, Mayor Richard Bissen said the county’s “main policy is to put the same people back in the same homes on the same lands.”

Civil Beat

Maui County plumbing rules hindering housing, new Grassroot report shows

A new report from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii shows how small changes to plumbing regulations could have a big impact on Maui County’s housing crisis, especially as thousands of Maui residents remain displaced by the devastating August 2023 wildfires.

Hawaii Reporter

Housing at the forefront of hours-long discussion over lessons learned from Maui fires

Congressional leaders questioned state, county, and federal officials for more than three hours on Wednesday over identifying lessons learned and improving federal support following Maui’s wildfires.

KITV

4,500 affordable residential units secure building exemptions under emergency proclamation

Over a year ago, Gov. Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on affordable housing to address the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi.

Hawaii Public Radio

Council refers accessory dwelling bill to Housing and Land Use Committee

Maui County Council members referred to the Housing and Land Use Committee on Tuesday a bill stemming from a new state law that requires counties to change the way accessory dwellings are permitted on residential property.

Maui Now

Emergency housing made more affordable by donation of solar panels for families displaced by Maui wildfires

A collaboration between AES Hawaiʻi, Young Brothers and Goodfellow Bros. has resulted in the donation of 212 solar panels to the nonprofit Made in Hope Hui Homes program for emergency housing of families displaced by the Maui wildfires.

Maui Now

Short-term rental phase-out remains in South Maui Community Plan update

Maui Planning Commission members breezed by a proposed policy statement in the draft South Maui Community Plan update Tuesday evening, agreeing by consensus that the plan would aim to increase long-term residential housing by phasing-out short-term rentals from Māʻalaea to Kanaio.

Maui Now

Head of CNHA on the housing landscape for Maui fire survivors

Housing Maui wildfire survivors has been a focal point as the state works toward recovering from last year’s fires.

Hawaii Public Radio

Groundbreaking held for Līloa Hale, a 117-unit affordable senior housing project in Kīhei

A groundbreaking ceremony with a Hawaiian blessing marked the beginning of construction of 117 units of affordable senior rental housing at Līloa Hale, a project in Kīhei by Hale Mahaolu and Highridge Costa Development Co.

Maui Now

Efforts move forward for more affordable housing on Maui after wildfires

New efforts are chipping away at the shortage of affordable housing on Maui as developers focus on more permanent shelter for local residents who’ve desperately needed them.

Hawaii News Now

Lahaina Community Land Trust secures first piece of land to steward in Lahaina hands

The Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT) has secured its first parcel of community-owned land, that will be held in Lahaina hands forever, for the benefit of the local community for generations to come.

Maui Now

The process of rebuilding begins in Lahaina

Kari and Rich Alexander have a goal to celebrate this Christmas with their two children in a new home just like the one they lost in the Lahaina wildfire more than a year ago.

The Garden Island

Kapalua Village offers new hope for 2023 Lahaina wildfire survivors

The Kapalua Village is another stepping stone for those who lost everything in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

KHON

Delays keep wildfire survivors from occupying housing at ʻOhana Hope Village

Nearly a year after the Maui wildfires, about 300 wildfire survivors are still waiting for the opportunity to move into 72 units at the ʻOhana Hope Village across from King’s Cathedral in Kahului.

Maui Now

Maui wildfires one year later: Kilohana housing to provide 169 units to displaced survivors by October 2024

At the one year mark since the fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided an update on its Kilohana group housing site.

Maui Now

‘Just the beginning’ | On eve of Maui fires, displaced families move in to new housing site

On the eve of the one-year mark of the devastating Maui wildfires, state and county leaders unveiled a new housing project for Lahaina fire survivors.

KITV

Gov. Green hails philanthropic effort for Maui housing recovery

Maui Now

Former Kihei hotel welcoming Maui wildfire survivors

Maui wildfire evacuees have begun moving into a former hotel in Kihei that the state has been fixing up since it bought the 175-room property in March from a religious institute.

Star Advertiser

New housing complex in Kihei opens for Maui wildfire survivors

Gov. Josh Green announced Monday that the first Maui wildfire survivors moved into newly completed housing units in Kihei as the one-year anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, fires nears.

Spectrum News

Move-in begins at former Haggai Institute: Eight Maui wildfire survivor families get keys to Hale ‘O Lā‛ie

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., today announced that the first Maui wildfire survivors have moved into units in the Hale ʻO Lāʻie interim housing project (formerly the Haggai Institute) in Kīhei.

Maui Now

Maui’s painful recovery, one year after devastating wildfires

One year after fast-moving wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui, there are visible signs of progress to rebuild.

Axios

A year after Maui wildfire, chronic housing shortage and pricey vacation rentals complicate recovery

Josephine Fraser worried her young family’s next home would be a tent.

Associated Press

Homeowner Assistance Fund expands to $21M to help Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi homeowners

Even more homeowners may be eligible for mortgage or other qualified housing expense assistance through the Maui County Homeowner Assistance Fund Program.

Maui Now

Temporary housing projects moving ahead in Lahaina for displaced residents

The first dozen or so Ka Laʻi Ola temporary housing units are nearly ready for occupancy by wildfire survivors in pre-fab, futuristic NanoNest tiny homes with curved ends and floor-to-ceiling transparent walls that take advantage of views of the ocean and West Maui Mountains.

Maui Now

Homestead nonprofit expands to Maui with addition of eight affordable housing rental units

The nonprofit Homestead Community Development Corporation (HCDC) added eight housing units on Maui to its housing portfolio over the last six months.

Maui Now

Up to $60K in housing assistance available for Maui, Molokai, Lanai

The County of Maui announced Friday that homeowners in Maui, Molokai, and Lanai affected negatively by COVID-19 may qualify for mortgage and housing expense aid through Maui County Homeowners Assistance Fund Program.

KHON

Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi suggests six ways to speed up home building in Lahaina

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi released today a second policy brief regarding how to speed up homebuilding on Maui in the wake of the deadly August 2023 wildfires that killed 102 people in Lahaina and left thousands of people homeless.

Maui Now

Maui Vacation Rental Association releases public opinion survey on short-term rentals

A vacation rental advocacy group has released a statewide poll it says shows that Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed ban on short-term rentals is “unpopular” with most Hawai‘i registered voters.

Maui Now

Controversial housing proposal up for discussion on Maui as advocates push for more affordable options

Dozens of residents are expected to attend a meeting to discuss a controversial housing proposal on Maui.

KITV

In light of conflict over Makena development, leaders weigh in on ‘housing crisis’

Activists have been publicizing through social media a highly-awaited meeting on Tuesday evening for a controversial housing proposal in South Maui.

KITV

Proposed south Maui housing development draws fiery opposition

A plan to develop 1,000 acres of land into a new residential community in south Maui drew fiery opposition from Kihei residents Tuesday night.

Hawaii News Now

Hawaii Got a Grant To Speed Up Infrastructure For Affordable Housing But Needs Much More

One idea, already in place in other states, is a state infrastructure bank that would provide gap financing to help housing projects move forward.

Civil Beat

Tax Increases for Maui Vacation Rentals: The New Middle Ground?

The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO), an official research arm based at UH Manoa, just released a thought-provoking blog post suggesting an alternative to the controversial proposal to cull half of the vacation rentals on Maui.

Beat of Hawaii

Tax hike for Maui short-term rentals, UHERO blog suggests

Maui is grappling with a severe housing crisis exacerbated by last year’s wildfires.

University of Hawaii News

People On Maui Are Unhappy And Many Are Leaving The Island, Study Finds

A recent study is reporting that a significant number of Maui County residents are unhappy, financially strained, and thinking about leaving the island.

Forbes

Maui Family Celebrates New Wailuku Home

“Changing lives, one house at a time” is not just Na Hale O Maui’s motto; it’s a heartfelt promise they deliver on. This promise was beautifully fulfilled when the Mather family received the keys to their new Wailuku home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Maui News

Maui wildfire survivors move into new temporary housing project

Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday that four families moved into newly completed housing units along Lahainaluna Road nearly a year after the Lahaina wildfire destroyed their homes.

Spectrum News

Post wildfire report: Maui County residents worried, stressed about making ends meet

Maui County residents are worried, stressed by the islands’ high cost of living and four in 10 are considering giving up and moving away, according to interviews of 2,646 residents, including 1,105 directly impacted by the August 2023 wildfires.

Maui Now

HUD, FHA further extend Maui foreclosure moratorium to 2025

This marks the third such extension handed down as the island continues to recover from 2023 wildfires

HousingWire

Maui Planning Commission supports short-term rental phase-out proposal

The Maui Planning Commission has voted unanimously to recommend the phase-out of about half of Maui’s short-term rental units.

Hawaii Public Radio

Maui Planning Commission votes 5-0 to phase out nearly 7,000 short term rentals on the Minatoya list

“This is the starting of a discussion”

Maui News

Maui County commission endorses draft bill to ban short-term rentals

The Maui County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposal from Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to phase out legal use of roughly 7,000 short-term vacation rentals mostly on the Valley Isle.

Star Advertiser

Maui County commission endorses draft bill to ban short-term rentals

The Maui County Planning Commission has thrown its support behind a proposal from Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to phase out legal use of roughly 7, 000 short-term vacation rentals mostly on the Valley Isle.

AOL

This South Maui Race Is Likely To Determine The Balance Of Power On The County Council

The Aug. 8 fires emboldened politicians to crack down on the proliferation of short-term rentals to deal with a growing housing crisis. Now it’s an election issue.

Civil Beat

La‘ikū temporary housing project along Lahainaluna Road

Maui Now

Maui Planning Commission advances vacation rental phase-out bill

The Maui Planning Commission heard more than seven hours of often impassioned testimony Tuesday, then deliberated nearly three hours before advising the Maui County Council to approve a bill to phase-out 7,000 short-term rentals in apartment districts, mostly in South and West Maui

Maui Now

Hawaiʻi County report suggests removing popular affordable housing incentive

A new County of Hawaiʻi report suggests the removal of a popular option for developers to meet affordable housing requirements.

Hawaii Public Radio

7,000 West Maui vacation rentals may turn into long-term housing; Planning Commission deliberates

Hawaii News Now

Maui wildfire survivors begin moving in to Laʻikū temporary housing project in Lahaina

The first four tenants have moved into newly completed units in the La‘ikū temporary housing project along Lahainaluna Road, Gov. Josh Green, M.D., announced.

Maui Now

Amid housing crisis, Maui commission votes to phase out thousands of short-term rentals

In a major development to the housing crisis on Maui, the Maui County Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend phasing out thousands of short-term rentals in hopes of creating more long-term units.

Hawaii News Now

Maui Moves Closer To Phasing Out Thousands Of Short-Term Rentals To Deal With Housing Crisis

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the County Council approve the mayor’s proposal, with some tweaks, despite concerns that it will wreak economic havoc.

Civil Beat

Another Maui family celebrates dreams of homeownership through Nā Hale O Maui

“Changing lives, one house at a time” is not just Nā Hale O Maui’s motto; it’s a heartfelt promise they deliver on and fulfilled for the Mather family who received the keys to their new Wailuku home on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Maui Now

Maui Council’s housing bills setting example for whole state

When it comes to promoting housing growth, some of the most important work takes place at the county level.

Hawaii Reporter

This Lahaina Family Finally Finds A House To Call Home — At Least For A While

In the span of a week, the Dadez family moved from a resort condo to a pair of studio hotel rooms and then, finally, into a five-bedroom home in Napili.

Civil Beat

Rep. Case votes against FY 25 House bills slashing education, housing budgets

US Congressman Ed Case’s (HI-01) US House Committee on Appropriations passed on Wednesday three more measures for the upcoming federal fiscal year (FY) 2025, commencing Oct. 1, 2024.

Maui Now

Sterling Higa elected chair of Hawai‘i Community Development Authority

The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority members unanimously voted Sterling Higa as chair. Higa has been serving on the board since 2022.

Maui Now

Dreams of homeownership comes true in Maui Lani through Na Hale O Maui

Dreams of homeownership came true for a young Maui family when Na Hale O Maui Executive Director Cassandra Abdul presented Codie and Pelemarie Chong with the keys to their new home on Meheu Circle in the Traditions at Maui Lani, Friday.

Maui Now

Thousands of vacation rentals could be removed in Hawaii

In early May, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed historic legislation that gives counties across the islands more power to regulate — and even phase out — short-term rentals.

SF Gate

Maui single-family home prices rise to $1.35 million in June while condos remain at $980,000

The price of a single-family home in Maui County soared to $1.35 million in June, up 30.8% over the same month last year, the Realtors Association of Maui reports. Meanwhile, condos remained virtually unchanged at $980,000.

Maui Now

Committee approves director appointments for Department of Housing, ‘Ōiwi Resources

A Maui County Council committee on Tuesday made approvals for leadership positions in Maui’s two newest departments, offices which were both initiated by Maui voters via charter amendments in November 2022.

Maui Now

‘The Most Critical Challenge We Face’: Maui Council On Track To Confirm New Housing Director

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s selection of Richard Mitchell to head the county’s new standalone Housing Department moved forward Tuesday with unanimous approval by the County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee.

Civil Beat

Maui commission postpones action on phasing out thousands of vacation rentals

Tuesday was supposed to be a monumental day regarding the future of thousands of short-term rentals on Maui.

MSN

Gov. Green signs budget; identifies healing and resilience for Maui among top priorities

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., signed House Bill 1800 (HB 1800), the supplemental budget bill which amends Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2023 and appropriates funds for Executive Branch operations and capital improvement projects.

Maui Now

Governor signs nearly $24B budget that will tackle priorities such as affordable housing, health care, Maui recovery

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday signed the state’s supplemental budget, which provides $19.1 billion in operating funds and $4.5 billion in capital improvement money throughout the state for fiscal year 2025 to tackle state priorities from affordable housing and health care needs to continued recovery efforts from last year’s deadly wildfires on Maui.

Big Island Now

Maui Planning Commission Vacancies Restrict Time Spent On Major Rental Housing Proposal

The Maui Planning Commission can only meet for an hour Tuesday to discuss what is arguably the most pressing policy debate moving through county government — the Minatoya list — because it won’t have enough members to keep the 9 a.m. meeting running past 10 a.m.

 Civil Beat

Two Maui housing sites to accommodate wildfire survivors

Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday that Maui residents displaced by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires can now apply for the Hawai‘i Interim Housing Program (HIHP), which offers temporary state- sponsored housing to those affected.

The Garden Island

$6.6M in new federal grant program heading to Hawaiʻi to build more housing

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., alongside US Sen. Brian Schatz and HUD Regional Administrator Jason Pu, on Wednesday announced that Hawai‘i has been awarded more than $6.6 million in new federal grant funding to help build more housing.

Maui Now

2 Maui housing sites to accommodate wildfire survivors

Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday that Maui residents displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires can now apply for the Hawaii Interim Housing Program, which offers temporary state- sponsored housing to those affected.

Star Advertiser

Hundreds testify on bill that would phase out half of Maui’s short-term rentals

Maui has the highest activity for listed short-term rentals in the state. The industry brings jobs and tax revenue — but also contributes to the housing crisis.

Hawaii Public Radio

$6.6M in federal funding from new Schatz-created grant program is headed to Hawai‘i to build more housing

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Development, today announced Hawai‘i has been awarded more than $6.6 million in new federal grant funding to help build more housing.

Maui Now

Maui Vacation Rental Showdown at Crossroads As Occupancy Plummets

As emotions soar higher than a jetliner, the ongoing controversy over Maui vacation rentals achieved a fever pitch yesterday at the Maui County Planning Commission meeting.

Beat of Hawaii

Editorial: What Green must and must not veto

Concern over state spending has driven Gov. Josh Green to place an assortment of 17 bills on his intent-to-veto list.

Star Advertiser

Overflow crowd shows up for TVR hearing before the Maui Planning Commission

A standing-room-only crowd filled the Maui County Council chambers Tuesday morning to hear the start of debate over Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed phase-out of approximately 7,000 transient vacation rental units in apartment-zoned districts.

Maui Now

Governor cites financial concerns with release of intent-to-veto list

Gov. Josh Green has announced 17 bills he plans to veto from this legislative session. Several measures concern the state’s finances and the governor’s emergency powers.

 Hawaii Public Radio

Maui Has A Housing Crisis. But Feelings Are Mixed On Mayor’s Plan To Transition 7,000 Vacation Rentals

Studies have found the proposal could increase long-term housing stock by 13% but might wreak havoc on the tourism-driven economy.

Civil Beat

Plan to ban 7,000 Maui short-term rentals targets resort condos

A luxury apartment-hotel, a $4 million beach house and condominiums at a resort golf course don’t typically constitute workforce housing in Hawaii, but they are targets of a plan on Maui aimed at converting short-term vacation rental properties to long-term housing for residents.

 Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Comment period for Mākena Mauka EIS Preparation Notice is extended 30 days

The Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) for the proposed Mākena Mauka project was originally pub-lished on June 8, 2024.

Maui Now

Column: Maui crackdown on vacation rentals will hurt economy

Consider the implications of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s measure to end 7,000 legal short-term rentals (STRs) on Maui’s West Side by July 1, 2025, and in the island’s entirety by Jan. 1, 2026.

Star Advertiser

Gov. Green lines up 17 bills to veto

Gov. Josh Green may veto 17 bills the Legislature passed this year, including one that would deposit $300 million into the state’s “rainy day” budget reserve fund.

The Garden Island

Vacation Rental Drastic Measures: Maui Vs. Barcelona

This weekend, Barcelona, facing soaring housing costs and other issues, announced plans to abolish short-term vacation rentals by 2028. And similarly, Maui is considering reducing its own vacation rental inventory.

Beat of Hawaii

Why I Won’t Sell Property To People Who Do Not Call Hawaii Home

All of us who do call the islands home stand to benefit from adjustments in the long-term rental and housing markets.

 civil beat

Efforts ramp up to transition Maui wildfire displaced families from hotels to interim housing solutions

In a continued effort to support the 200 households (more than 500 individuals) currently residing in Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) hotels, the NCS program has been extended until June 30, 2024.

Maui Now

Maui County will need to revise accessory dwelling ordinance to comply with new state law

A new state law aimed at easing Hawaiʻi’s severe housing shortage is set to impose changes in the way counties permit accessory dwellings on residential properties.

Maui Now

Report: Community ownership offers solution to land retention following Maui wildfires

The expansion of community ownership of real estate in West Maui is one of the few solutions that promises to make homeownership more accessible and build local families’ wealth following the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires in Lahaina.

Maui Now

Lahaina homes face 20% turnover in 3 years

A new report released Monday by the Hawai‘i Land Trust indicates that without intervention Lahaina could see an estimated 6.5% of residential properties totaling $122 million change hands over a year, and within three years a 20% turnover of ownership equating to at least $360 million.

Star Advertiser

Director appointed to Maui County’s newly created Department of Housing

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced on Friday the appointment of Richard E. Mitchell as director of Maui County’s newly created Department of Housing that launches July 1.

Spectrum News

County tabs Richard E. Mitchell as Director of Department of Housing

Effective date for new department is July 1

Maui News

Maui Mayor Appoints New Directors For Housing, Oiwi Resources Departments

County voters passed ballot measures in November 2022 for the new departments to help with the housing crisis and ensure proper management of native resources.

Civil Beat

New Taxpayer-Funded Housing Going Up In Lahaina May No Longer Be Needed

FEMA and the state are building 619 homes for fire survivors, but there are now fewer than 215 households still living in the emergency hotel program.

Civil Beat

Maui County warns public of Section 8 housing voucher scam

The Maui County Department of Housing and Human Concerns warns about a new scam claiming to assist individuals with Section 8 housing vouchers.

Spectrum News

What’s in store for Queen Kaʻahumanu Center’s future? Mall owners seek new lease on life

Without resuscitation, the future is bleak for Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, with the aging, once premier Central Maui shopping destination caught in a downward spiral — store closings lead to less foot traffic, which begets more loss of business, and so on.

Maui Now

Vacation rental phase-out study warns of $1.3 billion hit to Maui’s economy, but glosses over housing for residents

A study funded by a group representing “travel technology innovators,” including short-term rental platforms, is forecasting vast amounts of tax income and economic losses for Maui County if Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed bill to phase out 7,000 vacation rentals in apartment districts were enacted to make way for resident housing.

Maui Now

Survey: Maui Fire Survivors Cite Urgent Financial Needs And Housing Instability As Major Concerns

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement issued a report highlighting a range of problems experienced by people who lived through last summer’s deadly wildfires.

Maui Now

Mayor Richard Bissen signs $1.263B Maui budget into law

Alongside Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee and Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura, Mayor Richard Bissen on Wednesday afternoon signed into law an approximately $1.263 billion Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Maui Now

Waikapū Development Venture project completion deadline extended to 2029

The Maui County Council has approved extending the construction completion date to September 2029 for Waikapū Development Venture’s 80-unit affordable workforce housing project south of Wailuku town.

Maui Now

Virtual community meeting on Waiʻale Road extension, June 20

The County of Maui Department of Public Works will hold a virtual community meeting via Zoom on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed extension of Waiʻale Road from East Waikō Road southward to Honoapiʻilani Highway.

Maui Now

EIS preparation notice issued for Mākena Mauka development, with 850 to 900 homes

Public comments are due July 8 for an environmental impact statement preparation notice for Mākena Mauka, a proposed 1,041-acre, master-planned residential community located within the Mākena Golf & Beach Club in South Maui.

Maui Now

South Maui proposed residential community to file EISP Notice

Mākena Mauka, a proposed master-planned residential community located within the Mākena Golf & Beach Club in South Maui, was announced on Friday with the filing of an Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) on June 8.

Maui News

County Council advances fiscal 2025 budget to the mayor for final action

Maui County Council members voted unanimously Wednesday to wrap up their work on the County’s fiscal 2025 budget, sending their spending package to Mayor Richard Bissen for final action.

Maui Now

Council Prioritizes Maui Fire Recovery And Housing In $1.7 Billion County Budget

More money for affordable rentals, emergency management and firefighters is on tap for 2025.

Civil Beat

Maui court upholds governor’s Emergency Proclamation on affordable housing

Second Circuit Court Judge Peter T. Cahill issued judgment in favor of Gov. Josh Green, M.D., and the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, in a lawsuit that sought to, among other things, invalidate the governor’s emergency proclamation on affordable housing.

Maui Now

Maui Council budgets $300,000 to study impacts of eliminating 7,000 vacation rentals

Blue Cleaning, a small business in West Maui that spruces up 27 vacation rentals, survived the sharp decline in tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic and after the devastating Aug. 8 wildfire in Lahaina.

Maui News

Developer seeks deadline extension for Waikapū Development Venture project

Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee has recommended approval of project modifications and a deadline extension for completion of Waikapū Development Venture’s 80-unit affordable housing project.

Maui Now

No Water, No Problem? Council Is Steering $33 Million Toward West Maui Housing Project

Paul Cheng, a Texas developer with a criminal past, says he’ll use the money to construct phase one of Pulelehua, the island’s largest affordable housing project in decades.

Civil Beat

Maui Council Budgets $300,000 To Study Impacts Of Eliminating 7,000 Vacation Rentals

The council wants more precise information before taking action that could cost thousands of jobs and millions in lost tax revenue.

Civil Beat

County donates Fairways at Maui Lani lots to Na Hale O Maui for affordable housing

The County of Maui recently donated seven Fairways at Maui Lani, Kahului, lots totaling approximately 1.4 acres to nonprofit Nā Hale O Maui for affordable housing, according to an announcement today by the County Department of Finance. The donation of the County real property closed May 22, 2024.

Maui News

Water director: Maui County does not have water for Pulelehua housing development

Maui County does not have water available in West Maui for the Pulelehua project, a long planned development seen as a scarce opportunity to provide desperately needed housing for Lahaina residents displaced by the August wildfires.

Maui Now

Local officials celebrate bill package to tackle affordable housing supply

Local officials and advocates are celebrating the passage of significant housing reform bills that made it through the state legislative session this year.

Hawaii Public Radio

Hawaii governor signs housing legislation aimed at helping local residents stay in islands

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday signed legislation meant to jumpstart the construction of more dwellings to address an acute housing shortage that is pushing local-born residents to move to states where the cost of living is less.

Associated Press

Gov. Green signs bills in an effort to unlock affordable housing in Hawaiʻi

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., highlighted the achievements of the 2024 legislative session to unlock more affordable housing across the state in a ceremony at the State Capitol. Green underscored the collaborative efforts behind several significant bills aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis.

Maui Now

In bid to address years-old housing crunch, new laws will force counties to ease density, zoning rules

State and federal leaders on Tuesday hailed the approval of new laws they say will generate thousands of affordable homes for Hawaii residents, including a controversial requirement that counties allow more units on residential lots.

Hawaii News Now

Gov. Josh Green Is Poised To Sign A Big Income Tax Cut. But Can Hawaii Really Afford It?

The tax cut bill on the governor’s desk would slash tax collections by billions of dollars, money that could help with the affordable housing shortage, Maui recovery and more.

Civil Beat

Hawaii governor signs housing legislation aimed at helping local residents stay in islands

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has signed legislation meant to jumpstart the construction of more dwellings to address an acute housing shortage that is pushing residents to move to states where the cost of living is less

KITV

The Availability And Price Of Vacation Rentals In Hawaiʻi Is About To Change

Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green signed a bill earlier this month that gives individual counties across the Hawaiian Islands the lawful ability to convert short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Forbes

Maui’s youth hope to come back after graduation. Will the economy let them?

Kuola Watson and Kaulana Tihada are so close that they often finish each other’s sentences. They remember chasing each other’s dogs as children growing up in the Hawaiian Homes neighborhood near the Lahaina Civic Center. They literally grew up on the field at Sue Cooley Stadium, often spending more time there in a day as youngsters than they did at home.

Maui Now

Maui County’s Move Against Vacation Rentals Likely To Bog Down In Court

There are also significant challenges converting vacation units into long-term rentals, including high rents, HOA fees and accessibility issues.

Civil Beat

Luxury Housing Planned For South Maui Prompts Concerns Over Water, Traffic And Affordability

The $1.4 billion project envisions 975 high-end homes in and around the Wailea resort community that would cater to seasonal residents.

Civil Beat

Council passes fiscal 2025 budget on first reading

Maui County Council members gave initial approval Tuesday to their version of the county’s fiscal 2025 budget.

Maui Now

Maui County Hopes To Provide Housing For Seniors, Even A Few Units At A Time

The county is in the process of purchasing two units from a longtime Lahaina couple.

Civil Beat

Honolulu officials weigh regulations for short-term rental market with new state law

The state passed a new law to expand counties’ abilities to control short-term rentals. The City and County of Honolulu is contemplating how to use the law to increase its enforcement on short-term rentals.

Hawaii Public Radio

Home sales hit 25-year low, housing crisis explained in UHERO factbook

The past year has brought significant shocks to the housing market in Hawaiʻi. The University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) reports that overall transactions in 2023 were only half of what they were in 2021, and fewer single family homes changed hands in Hawaiʻi last year than in any of the last 25 years.

Maui Now

Report: Home Affordability In Hawaii Is ‘As Bad As It’s Ever Been’

Rising interest rates and a drop in sales have done little to lower average home prices.

Civil Beat

Kaiāulu o Kūkuʻia affordable housing waitlist opening; lottery planned

A waiting list opens next month for the Kaiāulu o Kūku′ia affordable apartment project located on Keawe St. in West Maui. The project will begin accepting applications at 9 a.m. on June 24; and a lottery will be held on Aug. 20 to determine the order in which applicants are processed for eligibility.

Maui Now

FEMA Is Still Spending Millions On Hundreds Of Empty Housing Units For Maui Fire Survivors

The agency has found available housing but is struggling to get people to move in. On Friday, it ends its support for the emergency hotel program.

Civil Beat

Nareit Foundation seeks applications for grants to support nonprofit affordable housing programs

The Nareit Foundation, a Section 501(c)(3) organization, is inviting Hawaii nonprofits to submit applications seeking grants in support of affordable housing programs. The deadline for submitting grant applications is Monday, July 1, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Maui News

Ohana Hope Village Is Finally Opening To Maui Fire Survivors

Access to water is still in flux, but the Maui modular home housing project now has county approval to open 16 of 88 units.

Civil Beat

Gov. Green signs bill to clarify counties’ authority in regulating short-term rentals

Gov. Josh Green followed through on his pledge to sign Senate Bill 2919, clarifying the counties’ authority to regulate short-term rentals. Mayor Richard Bissen has already moved ahead with introducing a bill to phase-out thousands of short-term rentals to open up long-term housing for residents.

Maui Now

Hawaii counties get more say over short-term rentals amid housing crisis in aftermath of Maui wildfires

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green recently signed the bill into law.

ABC News

Hawaiʻi Community Lending announces Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program

Eight months after the devastating August fires on Maui, an estimated 781 Lahaina owner-occupant homeowners continue to face dire circumstances, living with no home and collectively holding more than $225 million in first mortgages, according to Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL).

Maui Now

New housing projects give hope to some Maui fire survivors

Gov. Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and other officials marked major milestones Tuesday in providing more transitional housing for survivors of the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires.

Star Advertiser

Officials Tout Progress On Maui Housing Projects For Fire Survivors As Funding Deadlines Loom

FEMA plans to stop reimbursing the state for emergency housing in hotels after May 10 but the governor expects several hundred likely will be staying there through at least July 1.

Civil Beat

Ke Ao Maluhia at Maui Lani welcomes first family of residents with keys; Marks milestone for wildfire survivors

A family of four from Lahaina received keys on Tuesday to the very first home at the new Ke Ao Maluhia development at Maui Lani in Kahului. The development will serve as interim housing for Maui wildfire survivors.

Maui Now

Schatz requests HUD update on Maui housing needs in wake of wildfire; says use of TVRs have skewed the rental market

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) led a subcommittee hearing Tuesday morning on the FY25 Budget Request for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also requested updates on the housing needs for Maui from HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.

Maui Now

FIRST FAMILY RECEIVES KEYS TO NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING ON MAUI

In a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of the Maui wildfire survivors, Governor Josh Green, M.D., was joined today by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen; Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) Senior Vice President of Maui Recovery Lauren Nahme, and Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), to present keys to the first family who will call Ke Ao Maluhia at Maui Lani, home.

Office of the Governor

‘Missing Middle Housing’ Can Provide Affordable Homes

It provides options that are lacking for young professionals, families and kupuna.

Civil Beat

Hawaii Governor Wants To Entice Maui Property Owners To Rent To Fire Victims

Gov. Josh Green is proposing using taxpayer and private funds to build new housing and to pay home owners well above market value if they rent long term. Short-term rentals would simply be banned.

Civil Beat

Housing Shortage for Maui Fire Survivors Puts Focus On Short-Term Rentals

UPDATE: Mayor Richard Bissen called for “shared sacrifice” but said a moratorium on vacation rentals would likely bring costly legal challenges and unintended consequences.

Civil Beat

Nascent Lahaina Land Trust Starts Building A Base Of Support

A panel discussion on opening day of the Native Hawaiian Convention on Maui explored ways to provide affordable housing by purchasing properties burned in the Aug. 8 wildfire.

Civil Beat

DOH: Financial recovery, permanent housing identified as greatest needs for Lahaina

An assessment conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health identified the greatest needs of Lahaina residents affected by the wildfires and evaluated the impact on their physical and mental health.

Maui Now

Editorial: Build long-term housing strategy for Hawaii

The need for housing affordable to the bulk of Hawaii’s residents is truly a crisis — one decades in the making, but now looming large and degrading quality of life for many.

Star Advertiser

Continued temporary housing assistance for Maui fire survivors available with FEMA

If you are a survivor of the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires and you received FEMA rental assistance, the federal agency said to stay in touch because you may be eligible for continued rental assistance for temporary housing in any U.S.-governed location.

Maui Now

Editorial: As tourism grows, so must housing

In an unexpected but welcome announcement this week, Maui’s mayor moved to accelerate the reopening of tourism in West Maui, stating on Monday, just 10 days before the order would take effect, that tourism in the area can “fully reopen” on Nov. 1.

Star Advertiser

Green plans to extend Maui renter protections

Tenants on island rally to back eviction moratorium, rent freeze

Maui News

AG’s Office Investigating Illegal Rent Increases And Evictions On Maui

An emergency proclamation froze rents at their pre-fire levels.

Civil Beat

Hawaiʻi Community Lending to receive $2.4 million loan from USDA to finance 10 homes

Hawai‘i Community Lending will receive a $2.4-million loan from the US Department of Agriculture to finance 10 homes.

Maui Now

Site aims to match residents with housing they can afford

Maui Hale Match created by Valley Isle-born software developer

Maui News

Editorial: Housing strategy needed for Maui

More than a week into the first phase of West Maui’s reopening, travel is now unrestricted, and hotels and short-term rental units from Kapalua to Kahana are cleared to let their properties out to tourists.

Star Advertiser

State applies for $9.9M in federal grants for housing

The state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is applying for a $9.9 million federal grant to help generate thousands of new affordable homes in Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday.

Maui News

State applies for $9.9M in HUD grants for affordable housing

Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced that the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development is applying for a $9.9 million grant with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program, which is aimed at helping to generate thousands of new affordable homes in Hawaiʻi.

Maui Now

Kaulana Mahina workforce housing to begin application and lottery process

With construction of the first phase on a path to be completed by the end of the year, Kaulana Mahina—the new workforce housing development in Wailuku—will soon be accepting applications for its lottery process.

Maui Now

Updated housing proclamation now excludes fire-impacted areas of Lahaina

Gov. Josh Green has updated his emergency proclamation that aims to expedite housing but has drawn criticism from some residents and community groups who worry it will allow developers to bypass environmental and cultural protection safeguards.

Maui News

MEO in search of rental units

Maui Economic Opportunity’s Maui Fires Relief Transitional Housing Program has an urgent need for available rental units for six months.

Maui News

Rental units urgently needed for transitional housing program for residents displaced by Maui fires

Maui Economic Opportunity urgently needs available rental units for six months for individuals and families displaced by the wildfires.

Maui Now

Governor Green updates Emergency Proclamation on housing

Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed the second Emergency Proclamation relating to Affordable Housing, to tackle Hawaiʻi’s decades-long housing crisis and to build thousands of new affordable homes in Hawaiʻi.

Maui Now

Concerns over ‘climate gentrification’ rise after devastating Maui fires

Kim Cuevas-Reyes, a 38-year-old cellphone store owner, snuck into Lahaina last Friday to see the remnants of her home with her own eyes. She took backroads and walked. What she saw stunned her.

Maui News

Public Live Stream: Housing working group to meet on Friday, 8/11, at 9am

Chief Housing Officer Nani Medeiros and members of the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group will hold a kick-off meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday.

Maui News

Affordable housing on Maui, Hale O Piʻikea III, awarded funds for completion of final phase

Funding has been secured for the third and final phase of the Hale O Piʻikea affordable, mixed-use rental housing community in Kīhei.

Maui Now

State hopes historic building won’t delay Kahului Civic Center

Lawmakers push agencies to iron out historic preservation, get started on housing

Maui News

1st phase of Liloa extension could be ready in 2027

County recently received $25M in federal funding for project

Maui News

Can An Emergency Proclamation Solve Hawaii’s Housing Crisis? ‘That’s The Million Dollar Question’

Most agree Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation on housing was bold; whether it will achieve its intended goal is far from clear.

Civil Beat

Schatz secures $85M grant program to address national housing crisis

A new federal grant program to reward state and local governments that reform land-use policies and other local barriers that constrain the supply of affordable housing is set to begin accepting applications in the fall.

Maui Now

Housing to benefit from proposed wastewater project

Facility in the works amid concerns with current Kahului treatment plant’s capacity and location near shoreline

Maui News

Editorial: Housing crisis demands action

This is the brave, new world of accelerating the pace of affordable housing development, with emphasis on both those terms.

Star Advertiser

Column: Chance for sweeping and systemic change for housing

On Monday, Gov. Josh Green declared a housing emergency. Now it falls on journalists, advocates and concerned citizens to hold his administration accountable to produce housing that local families can afford.

Star Advertiser

Column: Housing order is a leap in the wrong direction

Emotions ran high at the governor’s emergency proclamation news conference last week. Heartbreaking stories were shared about nurses and teachers leaving the islands, and interns dreaming of moving home — albeit with little details connecting these plights with the proclamation’s actual language.

Star Advertiser

Column: Housing action needed now against worsening crisis

Housing is too expensive in Hawaii — and we all know it.

Star Advertiser

Maui median home price down in June, but still more than $1M

Median Sales Price decreased 19.6% to $1,007,000 for single family homes but increased 21.9% to $984,450 for condominium homes, according to the latest report released by the Realtors Association of Maui for June 2023.

Maui Now

Home prices cool slightly after hitting $1.27M high

Maui County home sales and inventory are down compared to last summer

Maui News

2024 Housing Planning Study field work completed

Field work for the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation’s 2024 Housing Planning Study was completed recently.

Maui Now

American Savings Bank launches first-time home buyer program to address housing crisis

American Savings Bank recently launched “This is HOME,” a new first-of-its-kind affordable financing solution for first-time home buyers designed to help hardworking kamaʻāina buy a home in Hawaiʻi, so they can stay in Hawaiʻi.

Maui Now

Tax increase on goods and services gets final approval

County Council also approves tougher law on air and replica guns, completes East Maui water board

Maui News

Emergency proclamation aims to speed up housing

Governor: Developments will be streamlined but not at the expense of the environment

Maui News

Hawaiian Community Assets receives $903K for housing counseling, homebuyer program

Hawaiian Community Assets has been awarded $903,168 by American Savings Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to expand housing counseling and financial education support for its Kahua Waiwai Homebuyer Program.

Maui Now

Nā‘iwa Homesteaders virtual workshop for DHHL agricultural lessees scheduled for 7/17/23

The Nā‘iwa Homesteaders Program announced its upcoming virtual workshop on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Farm Plan for agricultural lessees.

Maui Now

Rents Soar Across Hawai‘i, With No End in Sight

The average rent for a studio apartment on O‘ahu last year was up 25% from 2017 and larger rentals were up, too, by at least 17%.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Open to the Public: Kīhei Association Meeting on Housing, 7/18/23

This month, Kihei Community Association general membership meeting will get some input on the housing situation in South Maui from Stand Up Maui, Hawaii Community Foundation and Share Your Mana at 6:30 p.m. July 18 at St. Theresa Hall on Lipoa Street in Kihei.

Maui News

State project could expand Kahekili Terrace in future

More than 200 units could be added to Maui complex as state redevelops public housing

Maui News

Maui County’s tax surcharge proposal passes first reading

Change to bill would end surcharge in 2030, allow council to reconsider

Maui News

Newly signed education bills center on teacher housing, pre-K access

Gov. Josh Green signed four education bills into law on Monday that he said will help address the shortage of teachers and affordable housing as well as expand access to prekindergarten.

Maui News

Maui County has highest share of ‘severely rent burdened’ households

New UH report highlights struggles of Hawaii’s housing market

Maui News

UHERO releases new report on Hawaii housing

A new report from The Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaii, or UHERO, that looks at the state of housing in the Islands, finds that Hawaii is leading the nation in housing costs.

Pacific Business News

County lands $25M federal grant to extend Liloa Drive

Project part of North-South Collector Road providing alternate route in Kihei

Maui News

Citing Hawaii’s high cost of living, Green signs bill boosting tax credits for many

Some tax credits for cash-strapped Hawaii residents will at least double next year under a new law signed today by Gov. Josh Green.

Hawaii Tribune-Herald

County tax surcharge moves closer to reality

Revenues would go toward infrastructure for housing projects

Maui News

General excise tax surcharge to be focus of evening meeting on 6/26/23

A Maui County Council committee will hold an evening meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to discuss and receive input on a bill that would add a 0.5 percent surcharge on the 4 percent state general excise tax.

Maui News

Federal funds could boost initiatives for Maui County

From replacing bridges to fighting crime to providing services for youth and senior citizens, federal money funds a variety of initiatives that help residents of our islands.

Maui News

Gov. Green signs bills that seek to increase affordable housing, reduce homelessness

Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed several bills that seek to expand access to affordable housing and provide much-needed assistance to families and individuals who might be at risk of becoming homeless.

Maui Now

Council’s 3 Minutes: ‘Ohana Assistance Program holds promise for more affordable housing

Councilwoman Alice L. Lee (Wailuku-Waihe’e-Waikapū): On June 8, Bill 50 was signed into law to allow grants of up to $50,000 to be issued for the construction of small-sized housing units on properties with existing residences.

Maui News

Tax could fund projects, but some worry about cost

Maui could become final county to add surcharge under new law

Maui News

Maui County waitlist reopening for Section 8 rent subsidy program on 6/26/23, 8:30am

Maui County is reopening its waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households.

Maui News

Mayor signs $1.07 billion budget into law; includes funds for affordable housing

Mayor Richard Bissen signed into law a $1.07 billion Fiscal Year 2024 budget that provides for a decrease in tax rates for owner-occupied homes assessed at $3 million or less, increased funding for affordable housing and $184 million in capital projects and infrastructure for Maui County.

Maui Now

Bissen signs Maui County budget into law

Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. signed Maui County’s $1.07 billion fiscal year 2024 budget into law on Thursday, the final step for a plan that includes a decrease in tax rates for some homeowners and millions in funding for housing and county projects.

Maui News

Committee to discuss GET surcharge to pay for projects at meeting on 6/9/23

A Maui County Council committee will meet at 9 a.m. Friday to discuss whether to add a surcharge onto the state general excise tax to fund housing infrastructure.

Maui News

How Building More Backyard Homes And In-Law Suites Can Help Alleviate The Housing Crisis

Solutions will require rethinking existing policies and re-imagining what housing development and neighborhood cohesion looks like.

Civil Beat

Council gives final approval to $1.07 billion budget

Budget chair says plan is ‘fiscally responsible,’ mayor expected to sign

Maui News

Council’s 3 Minutes: Water, infrastructure and housing work in South Maui

Councilman Tom Cook (South Maui): As chair of the Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee, I was energized by hosting a community town hall last month. Here are a few updates shared at the town hall that impact South Maui.

Maui News

Maui Is Set To Join Other Counties In Raising Taxes To Pay For Roads And Housing

A pending law would expand how the counties can use a half-percent general excise tax surcharge.

Civil Beat

American Savings Bank and Hawaiʻi Community Lending invest $4.3M in Native Hawaiian homeownership

American Savings Bank, in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Community Lending, made a $4.3 million investment in homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiians eligible to reside on Hawaiian home lands.

Maui Now

American Savings Bank invests more than $4.3M into Native Hawaiian homeownership opportunities

American Savings Bank, in collaboration with nonprofit Hawaii Community Lending, recently announced it has invested $4.3 million into homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiians to live on Hawaiian home lands.

Pacific Business News

161-lot homestead project in Waikapu breaks ground

Project is first to be funded through historic $600M allocation to DHHL

Maui News

Groundbreaking of infrastructure for planned Puʻunani subdivision provides hope for Maui DHHL waitlist beneficiaries

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands conducts a groundbreaking ceremony today, marking the start of a $17 million capital improvement project to install infrastructure for the planned Puʻunani subdivision in Waikapū.

Maui Now

Maui’s Zoning Code Is More Than 60 Years Old. Where’s The Update?

Property owners and government officials are stuck in a continued state of “confusion, conflicting interpretations and complex layers of administration.”

Civil Beat

Public investment for affordable housing needed to keep Maui residents on Maui

Decades ago, when Dream City” in Kahului was being built, homes were priced within reach for Maui’s working families. However, today’s costs of materials, labor and demand have created a market that’s unattainable.

Maui News

80-unit housing project seeks funds to stay afloat

New plans also call for more single-family homes instead of planned duplexes

Maui News

Grading work begins at Pulelehua project site

The Pulelehua housing project in West maui has received its grading permit for the first phase of Mahinahina Hills. The permit was issued to Maui Oceanview LP in April, according to County of Maui records.

Maui Now

Building Homes and Hope in Maui County

In 2021, Maui County made big strides in jumpstarting efforts to create affordable housing opportunities for local families – and those efforts continue today.

Ka Wai Ola

Can Maui’s New Mayor Finally Make A Dent In The Housing Crisis?

The County Council is vetting his $1 billion budget proposal that includes funds for new construction and trying to complete unfinished projects.

Civil Beat

Critical funding for West and South Maui secured in Senate Budget draft

More than $107 million in funding for infrastructure was included in the Senate version of the state budget which passed last week. 

Maui Now

Bissen’s Spending Plan For Maui Targets Affordable Housing And A Rainy Day Fund

The public can weigh in this week on the mayor’s proposed $1.2 billion budget.

Civil Beat

Micah Kāne on Affordable Housing

Micah Kāne, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation discusses affordable housing on Living 808.

Khon

Maui County condo median sales price sets all-time record at $908,000

Spiked by luxury sales, the median sales price for Maui County condominiums last month set a record high at close to $1 million, a new report said.

Maui Now

5 Tools To Disarm The Weaponization Of Affordable Housing

It’s critical to ask who exactly the housing is for, who will profit from it, and whether it’s actually affordable in Hawaii.

Civil Beat

Maui County ‘behind eight-ball’ on plan to create 5,000 affordable homes in 5 years

Maui County is far behind its goal of creating 5,000 affordable homes for local people over five years, according to an update this week on the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan.

Maui Now

Maui County Sat On $8 Million That Could Have Helped Struggling Homeowners

Housing advocates worry about the bandwidth of local government to get the program going before it’s too late.

Civil Beat

Maui County’s 5,000-home goal could take much longer

Nonprofit director: County is ‘behind the eight ball’ in helping affordable housing advance

Maui News

Absentee owners are crowding the housing market, data shows

The share of homes sold to absentee owners has increased since 2020 across nine major metro areas, an NBC News analysis of real estate data found.

NBC News

Report: Housing market activity ‘uptick’ possible

Median sales prices for single-family home in Maui County was $1.16M

Maui News

Hawaii’s Affordable Housing Law Sparks Battles At The Capitol

At a time when housing is a priority for the island state, some lawmakers are pushing back against a law that eases development.

Civil Beat

Two Maui County lawmakers named to panel overseeing $600M in DHHL funds

House also creates working group to address Red Hill fuel storage issues

Maui News

County council fails to override Victorino’s vetoes

With a new majority on the Maui County Council, members failed to override two vetoes by former Mayor Michael Victorino, who prior to the end of his term opposed a bill relating to deed restrictions and the resale of workforce housing and another measure to establish a cultural overlay map for the county.

Maui News

$398,000 grant allows for launch of Native Hawaiian Owner-Builder project on Molokaʻi

Hawai‘i Community Lending announced grant awards totaling $1.5 million that aim to increase economic stability on Moloka‘i by helping the island’s native Hawaiian community to actualize affordable homeownership.

Maui Now

Maui County officials ‘eager’ to work with Green on proposals

Governor wants to build tiny home villages, tackle homelessness

Maui News

December home prices higher than November

Median sales price for single family homes hover around $1M for majority of 2022

Maui News

Council to consider override of veto for Bill 103 relating to workforce housing

The Maui County Council will consider overriding former Mayor Victorino’s veto of Bill 103 (2022) relating to residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale at the upcoming council meeting on Jan. 27, Councilmember Tamara Paltin announced.

Maui Now

Native Hawaiians flock to Las Vegas for affordable living

Kona Purdy never wanted to live anywhere but Hawaii. As a Native Hawaiian, he wanted his children to grow up like he did: rooted in their culture, and nourished by the mountains and ocean. But raising a family in Hawaii meant squeezing nine people into a four-bedroom house — rented with extended family — in Waipahu, a Honolulu suburb.

AP News

After pandemic buying frenzy, Maui home prices may ease — but not by much

Although Maui County’s real estate market is facing uncharted territory after the frenzied home buying of the pandemic, Realtors Association of Maui said signs point to slightly softer prices heading into the new year.

Maui Now

Developer to present update on Pulelehua housing project

A special presentation updating the progress of the 310-acre Pulelehua housing development is among the topics being presented at the annual West Maui Taxpayers Association members meeting.

Maui Now

DHHL plans new $75M Villages of Leialiʻi subdivision with up to 250 units in Lahaina

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is planning its second Villages of Leialiʻi subdivision that would develop up to 250 single- and multi-family units in Lahaina for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

Maui Now

Maui Deputy directors named to Ag, Housing, Transportation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Finance

Mayor-elect Richard Bissen announced the appointments of the following individuals to deputy director posts.

Maui Now

Takayesu, Arce, Minn and Tsuhako are the latest appointments to Bissen’s cabinet

Maui Mayor-elect Richard Bissen announced a new round of appointments to his cabinet.

Maui Now

Here’s How The Green Administration Plans To Tackle Hawaii’s Housing Shortage

Converting vacation rentals into homes, targeting areas with infrastructure already in place for new construction, and collaborating with counties and private business are some of the options on the table.

Civil Beat

County acquisition of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments is final

Mayor Michael Victorino announced today that the County of Maui’s acquisition of the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment Building on Luakini St. is final.

Maui Now

DHHL Publishes $600 Million Act 279 Plan

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has published and submitted to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature its final plan to spend the $600 million allocation of funding from Act 279.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Grand Opening Held for Kaiāulu o Kupuohi Affordable Housing Project in Lahania, Maui

A grand opening celebration was held Monday for the Kaiāulu o Kupuohi affordable apartment project in Lahaina, Maui.

maui now

New public-private partnership on Maui provides hope for affordable homes, but raises questions of fairness

A budget amendment that provides an $18 million appropriation to the Pulelehua affordable housing project in West Maui was approved unanimously by members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday in an 8-0 vote, with one member excused.

maui now

Maui affordable housing project triggers land dispute

Dozens lined Kahekili Highway near Waiehu Beach Road on Monday holding signs and Hawaiian flags.

hawaii news now

Mayoral Candidates Differ on How to Address Maui’s Housing Crisis

As we look to the General Election on November 8, let us consider the contrasting approaches of our Mayoral candidates, based on their responses to a number of questions asked, as printed in the September 15 issue of The Fil-Am Voice.

fil-am voice

State to subsidize midpriced rental housing projects

Developers have blitzed a state agency to tap a special $150 million legislative appropriation for funding new rental housing aimed largely at middle-income Hawaii households.

star advertiser

Maui mayor signs bill to change affordable housing guidelines

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has signed into law Bill 107, which changes the formula used to price affordable homes, the county announced this week.

pacific business news

Maui County taxpayers can expect to benefit from $73M in energy cost-savings program

Maui County has a new 20-year contract to save taxpayer money by reducing energy, water and fuel usage.

hawaii news now

This Is How The Candidates For Maui Mayor Want To Tackle The Housing Crisis

Both say the lack of housing for residents is the county’s top problem, but they’re proposing very different solutions.

civil beat

Less commercial, more housing in project plans

Downtown Kihei project to have 223 affordable rentals in response to community requests

maui news

Home sales continue to decline on Neighbor Islands

Home sales continued to cool across Neighbor Islands in September compared to the same month last year, according to recent statistics.

pacific business news

Another Endangered Species in Hawai‘i: Starter Homes

Young people used to be able to buy a small single-family home or townhome as the first step on their homeownership ladder, but today they are priced out of that market.

hawaii business magazine

Land Use Commission approves public-private partnership in Waikapū, Maui

The Land Use Commission unanimously approved Waikapū Properties’ petition to amend conditions now covered by a public-private partnership between the County of Maui and the developer.

Maui now

Maui Voters Weigh A Ballot Proposal To Create A Separate Housing Department

The move to split up the county’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns comes as residents increasingly struggle to find affordable homes on the Valley Isle.

civil beat

Lawsuits, resident pushback pause affordable housing project on Maui

Waiehu is zoned as agriculture land and critics say it should stay that way.

hawaii news now

324 units planned as part of workforce affordable Kaulana Mahina Apartments in Central Maui

An estimated 324 units are planned as part of the Kaulana Mahina Apartments development in Central Maui.

maui now

Maui median in September rises to $1,025,000, up 3% from same time

Maui’s median sales price for single family homes sold in September rose to $1,025,000, up 3.0% from the year prior, according to the latest data released by the Realtors Association of Maui.

maui now

Maui Voters To Decide If Planning Commission Should Be More Representative

A proposed county charter amendment would require all six community planning districts on Maui to have a member on the commission.

civil beat

Final EA published for water tank in Waikapū to serve DHHL Puʻunani Homestead

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published a final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for a 500,000-gallon concrete water storage tank and related improvements in Waikapū, Maui.

maui now

Fewer Mortgage Delinquencies Now than a Year Ago

Lenders have been stricter on loans since the Great Recession, which would likely limit the number of delinquencies in any new recession, one local expert says.

hawaii business magazine

Koa Waena affordable housing project proposed in North Kīhei

A new affordable housing project is proposed for Kīhei, Maui that seeks to offer 500 homes on 5,000 square foot lots.

maui now

Hotly debated Maui County affordable housing sales price guidelines approved

Despite objections from local for-sale affordable housing developers and Maui County’s administration, rules that establish new affordable housing sales price guidelines narrowly passed second and final reading Tuesday at Maui County Council.

maui now

After months of hearings, Honua‘ula moves forward

Commissioners satisfied with changes made to 1,150-unit housing project

maui news

Maui council a step closer to buying Lahaina apartments in bid to save workforce housing

Lahaina Crossroads renters Etina Hingano and her husband work three jobs to make ends meet.

maui now

COUNTY OFFERS TO SWAP INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Waikapu developer would double low-cost housing in exchange for county-funded sewer plant, road extension

maui times

Affordable housing drops as interest rises in Hawaii

The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate for the third straight time in an effort to fight inflation on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Khon

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country to buy a home, study finds

News that’s not really news to anyone: Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S. to buy a home.

KITV

Rising Interest Rates Sideline First-Time Homebuyers

Bidding wars are now rare, but the highest mortgage rates since 2008 put homeownership out of reach for many who thought it was possible at the start of the year.

hawaii business magazine

Neighbor Island home sales continued to decline in August

Neighbor Island home sales declined last month compared to August 2021, as the market continues to cool, according to recent sales statistics.

Pacific business news

Maui County looks to purchase Lahaina apartment complex

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has requested a budget amendment for the purchase the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment building, the county announced this week.

Pacific business news

202-unit Kuikahi Village project gets initial green light

Workforce housing development would include ‘innovative’ mix of homes

Maui news

Council aims to acquire 257 acres in Māʻalaea by eminent domain, but owners push back

A council committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend approval to acquire 257 acres in Māʻalaea for preservation.

Maui now

Record-setting summer closes with decline in home prices

Report: Market may be heading in‘more buyer-friendly direction’

Maui news

Kuikahi Village’s 202 homes planned for Wailuku gets nod from council committee

Calling it “innovative” and unique, a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday recommended approval for a 100% workforce neighborhood in Wailuku, which would include 202 diverse houses for sale — from tiny homes to live-work townhomes.

Maui now

Hawaii housing experts worry inflation will throttle back development, buying power

As the stock market fell Tuesday due to inflation fears, local housing experts are watching another troubling financial development — rising interest rates.

Hawaii News Now

Maui median home prices drop under $1 million for first time this year

The median sales price for single-family homes dropped below $1 million — to $983,575 — for the first time this year.

Maui now

Long-term Mortgage Rates Now at Highest Point Since 2008

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped again this week, hitting the highest levels in almost 14 years and pushing even more would-be buyers out of the market.

Star Advertiser

Lanai Housing Crisis Could be Alleviated by Bill 107 at County Council

A bill that would affect home prices in Maui County goes before the council for its second and final reading on Sept. 20, 2022.

KITV

Bill to Lower Maui County Affordable Housing Sales Guidelines Narrowly Advances in Council

Despite opposition from developers, a plan that promises to make affordable homes more affordable moved one step closer to reality at Maui County Council recently.

Maui Now

Hawaii Officials Lower Economic Growth Predictions for the State

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced Thursday lower economic growth projections for Hawaii in 2022 and 2023, in its third quarter 2022 Statistical and Economic report.

Pacific Business News

Affordable Housing in Hawaii: A Top Campaign Issue Where Results Are Hard to Assess

Many political candidates made statements about affordable housing leading up to Hawaii’s primary election last month.

Star Advertiser

Traffic, Flooding Among Concerns With New Affordable Housing Project in Maui

Several residents are pushing to stop a new affordable housing development from going up in South Maui.

Hawaii News Now

County Council Considering New Methods for Determining Sales Price of Affordable Housing

At its Friday meeting at 9 a.m., the Maui County Council will consider a bill to establish new methods for determining the sales price of an affordable dwelling unit.

Maui Now

Letters to the Editor: Public Housing Not Best Solution to Housing Crisis

A recent letter advocated for public housing as the best solution to our housing crisis (“Government should build public housing,” Aug. 19). This is the wrong solution.

Maui News

Editorial: Aim Higher for Teacher Housing

It sounds like a promising project to kill the proverbial two birds with one stone: $15 million to build teacher housing on Maui, that tackles both the need for affordable rentals and offers important incentive to recruit and retain teachers

Star Advertiser

Blueprint For Hawai‘i Housing? UH Project For Students And Faculty Is Going Up At Relatively Little Cost

A Hawai‘i lawmaker says the public private housing partnership could be a model for state-owned affordable rentals.

Civil Beat

Land in Lahaina slated for future teacher housing

Timeline to be discussed; state says it’s the first time in a decade that DOE will put up educator housing.

Maui News

Higher Mortgage Rates and Fewer Sales May Finally Be Affecting Prices

In half of the 12 real estate regions on O‘ahu, asking prices have been reduced on at least 30% of the current listings.

Hawaii Business Magazine

West Maui Community Corridor Transit-oriented Development Action plan announced

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that Maui County has launched the West Maui Community Corridor Transit-Oriented Development Action Plan to advance strategies for a transit-oriented community in West Maui.

County of Maui

Report finds ‘no evidence’ that outside buyers drive Hawai‘i’s high housing prices

Persistent beliefs that out-of-state homebuyers are driving up home prices in the Islands is not supported by data, according to a new report from Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i.

Pacific Business News

Affordable lottery held today at Ikaika Ohana’s Kaiwahine village for their second rental project in R&T park to open at end of year

At 11:30 am at the Kaiwahine Village center, the lottery for the new housing project from Ikaika Ohana, Kaiaulu o Halele‘a Affordable Housing Project at the R&T park, was held.

Kihei Community Association

Financing approved to help build Kihei senior rental project

Affordable housing developer and owner Highridge Costa will receive funding to help build Liloa Hale, a $58.4 million, 117-unit affordable rental project for seniors in Kihei.

Maui News

Records Broken as the Rich Buy Hawai‘i Homes

During the first half of this year, 424 homes, condos and vacant land parcels sold for $3 million or more. The top price: $36.1 million for an oceanfront estate on Kaua‘i.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Maui County to receive $25M for Waiale Road extension

Maui County will receive $25 million in federal funds to help construct the Waiale Road extension, Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday.

Maui News

Neighbor Island home sales cool in July

Neighbor Island home sales continued to cool in July, while median sale prices largely continued to increase over the same month last year, according to recent sales statistics.

Pacific Business News

Blessing held for 324 unit Kaulana Mahina workforce apartments in Wailuku, Maui

An official blessing was held on Monday for the new Kaulana Mahina development in Central Maui.

Maui Now

County sees dip in sales as home prices hover over $1M

New listings and closed sales for homes and condos took a dive in July while inventory improved — all signs that the housing market is continuing to cool.

Maui News

Maui County home sales cool in June; single-family home median sales price at $1.1 million

Maui County home sales fell by more than 50% for condos and 20% for single-family houses last month, as rising mortgage rates and record-high sales prices pushed out buyers.

Maui Now

Gov. Ige joins ceremonies for two Maui affordable housing projects

Gov. David Ige participated Tuesday, July 19, in ceremonies marking milestones for two Maui affordable housing projects.

Lahaina News

NIMBY worsening Hawai‘i’s housing crisis

Tens of thousands of homes, maybe more. That’s what some experts are targeting to help ease Hawai‘i’s housing crisis.

KHON2

It’s Gotten Both Worse and Better for Struggling Working Families

The good news is that seventeen Hawai‘i nonprofits are helping working families become more financially stable, find affordable housing, and get involved in policy.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Maui Now Survey: 71% affected by residential rental prices spiking, 93% concerned with increase in violent and property crimes

Maui Now released a survey on Thursday, June 16, asking its readers to share their opinions and attitudes toward current issues affecting Maui County.

Maui Now

Column: Overcoming regulatory barriers for Maui housing solutions

It’s impossible to walk down the street and find someone who doesn’t know Maui has a housing problem for its residents.

Star Advertiser

Despite pushback, new affordable sales price guides for Maui County advance

Despite some who said the plan could actually hurt housing development, a Maui County Council committee on Thursday recommended approval of a measure that aims to make affordable housing more affordable.

Maui Now

Owners give Lahaina tenants more time; rally highlights Maui’s housing woes

New owners of one of the last Lahaina apartments with workforce rents reversed course Friday, announcing that no immediate evictions or rent increases will occur at Lahaina Crossroads.

Maui Now

Hawaiʻi vacation rentals continued to see drops in supply, demand last month

Hawaiʻi vacation rentals reported an occupancy rate of 69.4% in May, according to data released Friday by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

Pacific Business News

A Massive Maui Ranch Next Door to Oprah’s Property Asks $75 Million

Hana Ranch, which is one of the largest pieces of land for sale in Hawaiʻi, sits next to roughly 100 undeveloped acres owned by the media mogul.

Wall Street Journal

Promoting affordable housing in the apartment districts

Affordable housing is at the top of the list of what our residents and communities need and demand.

Maui News

South Maui Residents Want A Community Plan With Sharper Teeth

An update to South Maui’s community plan has been a long time coming. Residents charting the region’s future complain that past plans have been too flimsy.

Civil Beat

100% affordable project Hale Waipuʻilani in Kīhei advances

Saying the decision is between affordable housing or speculator homes, Maui County Council in committee today voted to recommend approval for a hotly-debated 28-unit affordable housing project slated for Kīhei.

Maui Now

Why Rent Relief in Hawai‘i Became a National Model

The government program helped over 13,000 households. One reason it succeeded may have been that people who had experienced housing instability had a seat at the decision-making table.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Tenants forced out of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments; rent nearly doubling

Katherine Kamaunu, 71, has lived at Lahaina Crossroads Apartments for more than 35 years. Now, she and her husband, Aaron Kamaunu, 60, are being forced out of the complex, along with nearly 20 other families — a handful of whom are kūpuna on fixed incomes.

Maui Now

Hawaiʻi is most expensive state for household bills

Feeling like you can’t catch up on bills month after month? Well, you are not the only one. A new study ranked the states with the highest to lowest monthly expenses and Hawaiʻi came out on top.

KHON2

Maui median home sales price stays near record at $1.21M; sales slow

Maui County’s single-family home median sales price at $1.21 million in May hovered just below the record high while sales showed signs of slowing, according to a new report by the Realtors Association of Maui.

Maui Now

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center pitched as future site for apartments; council shuts it down

Maui County council and administration are at odds over whether vacant spaces in industrial areas, such as Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, should be able to convert into apartments as a way to combat the housing crisis.

Maui Now

Itʻs National Homeownership Month; what federal programs are available for rural areas?

Itʻs National Home Ownership month. There are several federal programs available to help people buy, repair and build affordable homes.

Maui Now

Rental prices are soaring in Hawai‘i as economy rebounds

Rents are rising to record-breaking numbers across the country. On Maui, residents also see their rent soar.

Hawaii News Now

Would You Want The Government To Be Your Landlord?

As residents across the U.S. struggle with rising housing prices, policymakers are increasingly looking at models for “social housing” including in Vienna, Austria, as a way to improve the situation.

Civil Beat

Maui council may adjust metrics to make affordable housing actually affordable

With soaring housing prices in Maui County, council members are looking at ways to update the county’s sales price guidelines so affordable housing can actually be affordable.

Maui Now

Maui Is Reconsidering What Constitutes ‘Affordable’ When It Comes To Housing

Even if families qualify for loans, monthly costs can be so high that they struggle to hold on to their homes in the long term.

Civil Beat

Panel probes for answers to soaring home prices

New housing plan recommends updating county’s rent and sales price guidelines.

Maui News

Kuʻikahi Village’s plans for 202 workforce homes in Wailuku moves ahead

Kuʻikahi Village Project, which aims to build 202 workforce housing units on about 15 acres in Wailuku, cleared a significant hurdle recently.

Maui Now

How Fast Can Government Agencies Turn The Legislature’s $1 Billion Into New Housing?

Lawmakers just appropriated approximately $1 billion to help build homes for residents. Now it’s up to the executive branch to make things happen.

Civil Beat

State’s $192M housing, civic center project in Kahului advances

A $192 million Kahului plan to develop 300 affordable and market-rate units, along with a civic center for state office space, cleared a hurdle in the approval process.

Maui Now

Developer wants to turn proposed hotel site into apartment complex

Six-story Hotel Wailuku on pause, landowner supportive of new plans for site.

Maui News

This Is How The Government Decides What Housing Is ‘Affordable’

On Maui, “affordable” can range from rentals as low as $600 per month to for-sale homes as high as $700,000.

Civil Beat

Legislature Closes Historic Session For Housing And Hawaiians

Hawaiʻi lawmakers passed almost every proposal they said they would in a rare session bolstered by billions of dollars in extra revenue.

Civil Beat

Thousands of Houses Are Empty On Maui. Would Higher Taxes Change That?

An estimated 15,000 housing units — about 1 in 5 throughout all of Maui County — are vacant, according to 2020 census estimates.

Civil Beat

Maui County launched online planning and permitting system; no more paper applications

Maui County launched a new automated planning and permitting software called MAPPS. Paper applications no longer are accepted.

Maui Now

NIMBY Vs YIMBY: Should Hawaii Make It Easier To Build Affordable Housing?

A bill dubbed the “Yes In My Backyard Act” would create a working group to develop a plan to reduce regulatory barriers and improve community outreach.

Civil Beat

How Hawaiʻi’s Land-Use Regulations Are Helping Drive Up Housing Prices

A UHERO report quantifies what homebuilders have long said: Hawaiʻi’s robust land-use regulations contribute to housing costs

Civil Beat

New report: Hawaiʻi’s high home prices tied to stiff regulations; Maui 2nd strictest in state

A new survey released today by University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization shows that Hawaiʻi has some of the most restrictive housing regulations in the nation, with Maui as the second most restrictive county in the state

Maui Now

Lots poised for affordable housing, health care workers

County has long struggled to find a use for the property

Maui News

Maui home prices push the needle to new record highs

Median sales price in March nearly $1.18M for homes and $820K for condos

Maui News

Advocates, officials hope deal won’t delay housing project

Public-private partnership would provide wastewater in exchange for more housing

Maui News

BlackSand Capital commits to affordable housing initiative

Hawaii real estate firm BlackSand Capital has made a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui

Star Advertiser

BlackSand Capital makes $300,000 commitment to affordable housing initiative on Maui

BlackSand Capital has made a three-year, $300,000 commitment to House Maui

Pacific Business News

Maui council urged to raise tax on second homes, short-term rentals to raise money for affordables

Leaving property taxes at the lowest in the nation could actually spur investment home buys in Maui County, according to a presentation Monday afternoon at council’s Affordable Housing Committee

Maui Now

BlackSand Capital makes three-year commitment to affordable housing on Maui

BlackSand Capital has entered into a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui

Maui Now

1,150-Unit Honuaʻula Project Heads to Mediation

Revamped development, years in the making, is seeking one of its final approvals

Maui News

Major 670-Acre Housing Project at Honuaʻula Aims to Move Ahead; Groups Intervene

A long-debated master planned community proposed for 670 acres in South Maui called Honuaʻula sought the next phase of county approval today — but two groups are challenging it.

Maui Now

Final Assessment for Honokowai Project Released

Plan calls for residential homesteads, multifamily residential units

Maui News

This Maui Housing Project is Hugely Popular and Sorely Needed. Will it Finally Get Built?

It’s been nearly 18 years since the developer began planning Waikapu Country Town. With the final bureaucratic hurdles now cleared, a new deal with the county could spur construction.

Civil Beat

752-Unit Affordable Housing Project Proposed in Waiehu

Planning commission suggests roundabouts, designing project to fit the area.

Maui News

State Pitches $192M Housing, Civic Center Project for Kahului

About 5 acres of state land in Kahului would be transformed into affordable and market-rate housing, along with a civic center for state office space.

Maui Now

Here’s How Affordable Housing Policies Have Impacted

Hawaiʻi’s Housing Supply

An in-depth look at how county and state affordable housing policies have helped or hurt Hawaiʻi’s housing supply – and what might work better.

Hawaiʻi Business Magazine

Work to Support Affordable Housing Continues

Maui County Councilman Gabe Johnson, who also chairs the County’s Affordable Housing Committee, recaps the Committee’s accomplishments in 2021 and shares what still needs to be done in the year ahead.

Lahaina News

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Propose $600M to Fix Native Hawaiian Housing Program

Lawmakers in the State House are proposing a “historic” piece of legislation to commit $600 million to help house Native Hawaiians.

Star Advertiser

‘Priority projects’ Aim to Reach 5,000-Unit Goal

The Maui County Council is hoping a series of housing projects in the works will help the county reach its goal of building 5,000 affordable for-rent and for-sale units over the next five years.

Maui News

Over 1,000 Maui Families Are in a Better Financial Position to Qualify for Affordable Housing

Over 1,000 Maui families are in a better financial position to qualify for affordable housing this year — thanks to the program House Maui.

Hawaii Public Radio

Center Helps More Than 1,000 Families Improve Financial Footing

The Maui Financial Opportunity Center, launched as a public-private partnership between Maui County, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets, announced Tuesday that it has reached its first-year goal of working with more than 1,000 local families to improve financial stability in order to qualify for affordable housing.

Maui News

Hawaiʻi Housing Crisis has Maui Pushing to Phase out 3,000 Short-Term Rentals

As Hawaiʻi’s high housing costs and rising property taxes continue to price out struggling residents seeking to find and keep their homes, Maui is examining how to create long-term housing opportunities to make sure local residents remain local.

SF GATE

Aloha Friday Conversation: Seizing Affordable Housing Opportunities in Hawaiʻi

Hear from dedicated people from across the islands who are working on affordable housing.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio

Civil Beat: Hawaiʻi’s High Cost of Living Just Keeps Getting Higher

Rising gasoline and housing prices are driving up living costs for isle families, offsetting wage gains that had appeared to offer a bright spot in a tepid economic recovery.

Civil Beat

Star Advertiser, Island Voices: Maui road leads to affordable housing

An opportunity awaits us that could begin the journey of elevating Hawaiʻi’s people and place. It’s the building of a simple road.

Star Advertiser

FONSI Filed for Proposed Hale Pilina

A Final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact determination was made for the Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project proposed for development in Kahului, Maui.

Maui Now

Maui median home prices top state

A month after breaching a historic high of $1 million, Maui County median sales prices for single-family homes topped the state in June and set a new county record at $1,117,500.

Maui News

For Maui families to stay on Maui, we need a new affordable housing system

Our affordable housing system is broken and Maui residents are in a crisis within a crisis.

Maui News

Mayor vetoes affordable housing bill

Saying a new affordable housing bill will only intensify housing scarcity for Maui County, Mayor Michael Victorino vetoed the measure on Monday.

Maui News

6 Things to Know About How Development Works

Depending on the circles you travel in, the word “developer” may elicit a strong reaction in you.

Strong Towns

Maui Launches Financial Opportunity Center to Help Residents Into Housing

$250,000 for a total of $500,000 to launch and operate the FOC.

Maui Now

Green signs bills on affordable housing, reducing homelessness

Gov. Josh Green signed multiple bills on Wednesday aimed at expanding access to housing and providing assistance to people at risk of becoming homeless in what one Maui lawmaker called “a monumental year” in addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis.

Maui News

Gov. Green signs bills that seek to increase affordable housing, reduce homelessness

Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed several bills that seek to expand access to affordable housing and provide much-needed assistance to families and individuals who might be at risk of becoming homeless.

Maui Now

Council’s 3 Minutes: ‘Ohana Assistance Program holds promise for more affordable housing

Councilwoman Alice L. Lee (Wailuku-Waihe’e-Waikapū): On June 8, Bill 50 was signed into law to allow grants of up to $50,000 to be issued for the construction of small-sized housing units on properties with existing residences.

Maui News

Tax could fund projects, but some worry about cost

Maui could become final county to add surcharge under new law

Maui News

Maui County waitlist reopening for Section 8 rent subsidy program on 6/26/23, 8:30am

Maui County is reopening its waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households.

Maui News

Mayor signs $1.07 billion budget into law; includes funds for affordable housing

Mayor Richard Bissen signed into law a $1.07 billion Fiscal Year 2024 budget that provides for a decrease in tax rates for owner-occupied homes assessed at $3 million or less, increased funding for affordable housing and $184 million in capital projects and infrastructure for Maui County.

Maui Now

Bissen signs Maui County budget into law

Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. signed Maui County’s $1.07 billion fiscal year 2024 budget into law on Thursday, the final step for a plan that includes a decrease in tax rates for some homeowners and millions in funding for housing and county projects.

Maui News

Committee to discuss GET surcharge to pay for projects at meeting on 6/9/23

A Maui County Council committee will meet at 9 a.m. Friday to discuss whether to add a surcharge onto the state general excise tax to fund housing infrastructure.

Maui News

How Building More Backyard Homes And In-Law Suites Can Help Alleviate The Housing Crisis

Solutions will require rethinking existing policies and re-imagining what housing development and neighborhood cohesion looks like.

Civil Beat

Council gives final approval to $1.07 billion budget

Budget chair says plan is ‘fiscally responsible,’ mayor expected to sign

Maui News

Council’s 3 Minutes: Water, infrastructure and housing work in South Maui

Councilman Tom Cook (South Maui): As chair of the Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee, I was energized by hosting a community town hall last month. Here are a few updates shared at the town hall that impact South Maui.

Maui News

Maui Is Set To Join Other Counties In Raising Taxes To Pay For Roads And Housing

A pending law would expand how the counties can use a half-percent general excise tax surcharge.

Civil Beat

American Savings Bank and Hawaiʻi Community Lending invest $4.3M in Native Hawaiian homeownership

American Savings Bank, in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Community Lending, made a $4.3 million investment in homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiians eligible to reside on Hawaiian home lands.

Maui Now

American Savings Bank invests more than $4.3M into Native Hawaiian homeownership opportunities

American Savings Bank, in collaboration with nonprofit Hawaii Community Lending, recently announced it has invested $4.3 million into homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiians to live on Hawaiian home lands.

Pacific Business News

161-lot homestead project in Waikapu breaks ground

Project is first to be funded through historic $600M allocation to DHHL

Maui News

Groundbreaking of infrastructure for planned Puʻunani subdivision provides hope for Maui DHHL waitlist beneficiaries

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands conducts a groundbreaking ceremony today, marking the start of a $17 million capital improvement project to install infrastructure for the planned Puʻunani subdivision in Waikapū.

Maui Now

Maui’s Zoning Code Is More Than 60 Years Old. Where’s The Update?

Property owners and government officials are stuck in a continued state of “confusion, conflicting interpretations and complex layers of administration.”

Civil Beat

Public investment for affordable housing needed to keep Maui residents on Maui

Decades ago, when Dream City” in Kahului was being built, homes were priced within reach for Maui’s working families. However, today’s costs of materials, labor and demand have created a market that’s unattainable.

Maui News

80-unit housing project seeks funds to stay afloat

New plans also call for more single-family homes instead of planned duplexes

Maui News

Grading work begins at Pulelehua project site

The Pulelehua housing project in West maui has received its grading permit for the first phase of Mahinahina Hills. The permit was issued to Maui Oceanview LP in April, according to County of Maui records.

Maui Now

Building Homes and Hope in Maui County

In 2021, Maui County made big strides in jumpstarting efforts to create affordable housing opportunities for local families – and those efforts continue today.

Ka Wai Ola

Can Maui’s New Mayor Finally Make A Dent In The Housing Crisis?

The County Council is vetting his $1 billion budget proposal that includes funds for new construction and trying to complete unfinished projects.

Civil Beat

Critical funding for West and South Maui secured in Senate Budget draft

More than $107 million in funding for infrastructure was included in the Senate version of the state budget which passed last week. 

Maui Now

Bissen’s Spending Plan For Maui Targets Affordable Housing And A Rainy Day Fund

The public can weigh in this week on the mayor’s proposed $1.2 billion budget.

Civil Beat

Micah Kāne on Affordable Housing

Micah Kāne, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation discusses affordable housing on Living 808.

Khon

Maui County condo median sales price sets all-time record at $908,000

Spiked by luxury sales, the median sales price for Maui County condominiums last month set a record high at close to $1 million, a new report said.

Maui Now

5 Tools To Disarm The Weaponization Of Affordable Housing

It’s critical to ask who exactly the housing is for, who will profit from it, and whether it’s actually affordable in Hawaii.

Civil Beat

Maui County ‘behind eight-ball’ on plan to create 5,000 affordable homes in 5 years

Maui County is far behind its goal of creating 5,000 affordable homes for local people over five years, according to an update this week on the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan.

Maui Now

Maui County Sat On $8 Million That Could Have Helped Struggling Homeowners

Housing advocates worry about the bandwidth of local government to get the program going before it’s too late.

Civil Beat

Maui County’s 5,000-home goal could take much longer

Nonprofit director: County is ‘behind the eight ball’ in helping affordable housing advance

Maui News

Absentee owners are crowding the housing market, data shows

The share of homes sold to absentee owners has increased since 2020 across nine major metro areas, an NBC News analysis of real estate data found.

NBC News

Report: Housing market activity ‘uptick’ possible

Median sales prices for single-family home in Maui County was $1.16M

Maui News

Hawaii’s Affordable Housing Law Sparks Battles At The Capitol

At a time when housing is a priority for the island state, some lawmakers are pushing back against a law that eases development.

Civil Beat

Two Maui County lawmakers named to panel overseeing $600M in DHHL funds

House also creates working group to address Red Hill fuel storage issues

Maui News

County council fails to override Victorino’s vetoes

With a new majority on the Maui County Council, members failed to override two vetoes by former Mayor Michael Victorino, who prior to the end of his term opposed a bill relating to deed restrictions and the resale of workforce housing and another measure to establish a cultural overlay map for the county.

Maui News

$398,000 grant allows for launch of Native Hawaiian Owner-Builder project on Molokaʻi

Hawai‘i Community Lending announced grant awards totaling $1.5 million that aim to increase economic stability on Moloka‘i by helping the island’s native Hawaiian community to actualize affordable homeownership.

Maui Now

Maui County officials ‘eager’ to work with Green on proposals

Governor wants to build tiny home villages, tackle homelessness

Maui News

December home prices higher than November

Median sales price for single family homes hover around $1M for majority of 2022

Maui News

Council to consider override of veto for Bill 103 relating to workforce housing

The Maui County Council will consider overriding former Mayor Victorino’s veto of Bill 103 (2022) relating to residential workforce housing deed restrictions and resale at the upcoming council meeting on Jan. 27, Councilmember Tamara Paltin announced.

Maui Now

Native Hawaiians flock to Las Vegas for affordable living

Kona Purdy never wanted to live anywhere but Hawaii. As a Native Hawaiian, he wanted his children to grow up like he did: rooted in their culture, and nourished by the mountains and ocean. But raising a family in Hawaii meant squeezing nine people into a four-bedroom house — rented with extended family — in Waipahu, a Honolulu suburb.

AP News

After pandemic buying frenzy, Maui home prices may ease — but not by much

Although Maui County’s real estate market is facing uncharted territory after the frenzied home buying of the pandemic, Realtors Association of Maui said signs point to slightly softer prices heading into the new year.

Maui Now

Developer to present update on Pulelehua housing project

A special presentation updating the progress of the 310-acre Pulelehua housing development is among the topics being presented at the annual West Maui Taxpayers Association members meeting.

Maui Now

DHHL plans new $75M Villages of Leialiʻi subdivision with up to 250 units in Lahaina

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is planning its second Villages of Leialiʻi subdivision that would develop up to 250 single- and multi-family units in Lahaina for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries.

Maui Now

Maui Deputy directors named to Ag, Housing, Transportation, Environmental Management, Public Works and Finance

Mayor-elect Richard Bissen announced the appointments of the following individuals to deputy director posts.

Maui Now

Takayesu, Arce, Minn and Tsuhako are the latest appointments to Bissen’s cabinet

Maui Mayor-elect Richard Bissen announced a new round of appointments to his cabinet.

Maui Now

Here’s How The Green Administration Plans To Tackle Hawaii’s Housing Shortage

Converting vacation rentals into homes, targeting areas with infrastructure already in place for new construction, and collaborating with counties and private business are some of the options on the table.

Civil Beat

County acquisition of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments is final

Mayor Michael Victorino announced today that the County of Maui’s acquisition of the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment Building on Luakini St. is final.

Maui Now

DHHL Publishes $600 Million Act 279 Plan

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) has published and submitted to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature its final plan to spend the $600 million allocation of funding from Act 279.

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Grand Opening Held for Kaiāulu o Kupuohi Affordable Housing Project in Lahania, Maui

A grand opening celebration was held Monday for the Kaiāulu o Kupuohi affordable apartment project in Lahaina, Maui.

maui now

New public-private partnership on Maui provides hope for affordable homes, but raises questions of fairness

A budget amendment that provides an $18 million appropriation to the Pulelehua affordable housing project in West Maui was approved unanimously by members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday in an 8-0 vote, with one member excused.

maui now

Maui affordable housing project triggers land dispute

Dozens lined Kahekili Highway near Waiehu Beach Road on Monday holding signs and Hawaiian flags.

hawaii news now

Mayoral Candidates Differ on How to Address Maui’s Housing Crisis

As we look to the General Election on November 8, let us consider the contrasting approaches of our Mayoral candidates, based on their responses to a number of questions asked, as printed in the September 15 issue of The Fil-Am Voice.

fil-am voice

State to subsidize midpriced rental housing projects

Developers have blitzed a state agency to tap a special $150 million legislative appropriation for funding new rental housing aimed largely at middle-income Hawaii households.

star advertiser

Maui mayor signs bill to change affordable housing guidelines

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino has signed into law Bill 107, which changes the formula used to price affordable homes, the county announced this week.

pacific business news

Maui County taxpayers can expect to benefit from $73M in energy cost-savings program

Maui County has a new 20-year contract to save taxpayer money by reducing energy, water and fuel usage.

hawaii news now

This Is How The Candidates For Maui Mayor Want To Tackle The Housing Crisis

Both say the lack of housing for residents is the county’s top problem, but they’re proposing very different solutions.

civil beat

Less commercial, more housing in project plans

Downtown Kihei project to have 223 affordable rentals in response to community requests

maui news

Home sales continue to decline on Neighbor Islands

Home sales continued to cool across Neighbor Islands in September compared to the same month last year, according to recent statistics.

pacific business news

Another Endangered Species in Hawai‘i: Starter Homes

Young people used to be able to buy a small single-family home or townhome as the first step on their homeownership ladder, but today they are priced out of that market.

hawaii business magazine

Land Use Commission approves public-private partnership in Waikapū, Maui

The Land Use Commission unanimously approved Waikapū Properties’ petition to amend conditions now covered by a public-private partnership between the County of Maui and the developer.

Maui now

Maui Voters Weigh A Ballot Proposal To Create A Separate Housing Department

The move to split up the county’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns comes as residents increasingly struggle to find affordable homes on the Valley Isle.

civil beat

Lawsuits, resident pushback pause affordable housing project on Maui

Waiehu is zoned as agriculture land and critics say it should stay that way.

hawaii news now

324 units planned as part of workforce affordable Kaulana Mahina Apartments in Central Maui

An estimated 324 units are planned as part of the Kaulana Mahina Apartments development in Central Maui.

maui now

Maui median in September rises to $1,025,000, up 3% from same time

Maui’s median sales price for single family homes sold in September rose to $1,025,000, up 3.0% from the year prior, according to the latest data released by the Realtors Association of Maui.

maui now

Maui Voters To Decide If Planning Commission Should Be More Representative

A proposed county charter amendment would require all six community planning districts on Maui to have a member on the commission.

civil beat

Final EA published for water tank in Waikapū to serve DHHL Puʻunani Homestead

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has published a final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact for a 500,000-gallon concrete water storage tank and related improvements in Waikapū, Maui.

maui now

Fewer Mortgage Delinquencies Now than a Year Ago

Lenders have been stricter on loans since the Great Recession, which would likely limit the number of delinquencies in any new recession, one local expert says.

hawaii business magazine

Koa Waena affordable housing project proposed in North Kīhei

A new affordable housing project is proposed for Kīhei, Maui that seeks to offer 500 homes on 5,000 square foot lots.

maui now

Hotly debated Maui County affordable housing sales price guidelines approved

Despite objections from local for-sale affordable housing developers and Maui County’s administration, rules that establish new affordable housing sales price guidelines narrowly passed second and final reading Tuesday at Maui County Council.

maui now

After months of hearings, Honua‘ula moves forward

Commissioners satisfied with changes made to 1,150-unit housing project

maui news

Maui council a step closer to buying Lahaina apartments in bid to save workforce housing

Lahaina Crossroads renters Etina Hingano and her husband work three jobs to make ends meet.

maui now

COUNTY OFFERS TO SWAP INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Waikapu developer would double low-cost housing in exchange for county-funded sewer plant, road extension

maui times

Affordable housing drops as interest rises in Hawaii

The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate for the third straight time in an effort to fight inflation on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Khon

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the country to buy a home, study finds

News that’s not really news to anyone: Hawaii is the most expensive state in the U.S. to buy a home.

KITV

Rising Interest Rates Sideline First-Time Homebuyers

Bidding wars are now rare, but the highest mortgage rates since 2008 put homeownership out of reach for many who thought it was possible at the start of the year.

hawaii business magazine

Neighbor Island home sales continued to decline in August

Neighbor Island home sales declined last month compared to August 2021, as the market continues to cool, according to recent sales statistics.

Pacific business news

Maui County looks to purchase Lahaina apartment complex

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino has requested a budget amendment for the purchase the Lahaina Crossroads Apartment building, the county announced this week.

Pacific business news

202-unit Kuikahi Village project gets initial green light

Workforce housing development would include ‘innovative’ mix of homes

Maui news

Council aims to acquire 257 acres in Māʻalaea by eminent domain, but owners push back

A council committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend approval to acquire 257 acres in Māʻalaea for preservation.

Maui now

Record-setting summer closes with decline in home prices

Report: Market may be heading in‘more buyer-friendly direction’

Maui news

Kuikahi Village’s 202 homes planned for Wailuku gets nod from council committee

Calling it “innovative” and unique, a Maui County Council committee on Tuesday recommended approval for a 100% workforce neighborhood in Wailuku, which would include 202 diverse houses for sale — from tiny homes to live-work townhomes.

Maui now

Hawaii housing experts worry inflation will throttle back development, buying power

As the stock market fell Tuesday due to inflation fears, local housing experts are watching another troubling financial development — rising interest rates.

Hawaii News Now

Maui median home prices drop under $1 million for first time this year

The median sales price for single-family homes dropped below $1 million — to $983,575 — for the first time this year.

Maui now

Long-term Mortgage Rates Now at Highest Point Since 2008

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped again this week, hitting the highest levels in almost 14 years and pushing even more would-be buyers out of the market.

Star Advertiser

Lanai Housing Crisis Could be Alleviated by Bill 107 at County Council

A bill that would affect home prices in Maui County goes before the council for its second and final reading on Sept. 20, 2022.

KITV

Bill to Lower Maui County Affordable Housing Sales Guidelines Narrowly Advances in Council

Despite opposition from developers, a plan that promises to make affordable homes more affordable moved one step closer to reality at Maui County Council recently.

Maui Now

Hawaii Officials Lower Economic Growth Predictions for the State

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism announced Thursday lower economic growth projections for Hawaii in 2022 and 2023, in its third quarter 2022 Statistical and Economic report.

Pacific Business News

Affordable Housing in Hawaii: A Top Campaign Issue Where Results Are Hard to Assess

Many political candidates made statements about affordable housing leading up to Hawaii’s primary election last month.

Star Advertiser

Traffic, Flooding Among Concerns With New Affordable Housing Project in Maui

Several residents are pushing to stop a new affordable housing development from going up in South Maui.

Hawaii News Now

County Council Considering New Methods for Determining Sales Price of Affordable Housing

At its Friday meeting at 9 a.m., the Maui County Council will consider a bill to establish new methods for determining the sales price of an affordable dwelling unit.

Maui Now

Letters to the Editor: Public Housing Not Best Solution to Housing Crisis

A recent letter advocated for public housing as the best solution to our housing crisis (“Government should build public housing,” Aug. 19). This is the wrong solution.

Maui News

Editorial: Aim Higher for Teacher Housing

It sounds like a promising project to kill the proverbial two birds with one stone: $15 million to build teacher housing on Maui, that tackles both the need for affordable rentals and offers important incentive to recruit and retain teachers

Star Advertiser

Blueprint For Hawai‘i Housing? UH Project For Students And Faculty Is Going Up At Relatively Little Cost

A Hawai‘i lawmaker says the public private housing partnership could be a model for state-owned affordable rentals.

Civil Beat

Land in Lahaina slated for future teacher housing

Timeline to be discussed; state says it’s the first time in a decade that DOE will put up educator housing.

Maui News

Higher Mortgage Rates and Fewer Sales May Finally Be Affecting Prices

In half of the 12 real estate regions on O‘ahu, asking prices have been reduced on at least 30% of the current listings.

Hawaii Business Magazine

West Maui Community Corridor Transit-oriented Development Action plan announced

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that Maui County has launched the West Maui Community Corridor Transit-Oriented Development Action Plan to advance strategies for a transit-oriented community in West Maui.

County of Maui

Report finds ‘no evidence’ that outside buyers drive Hawai‘i’s high housing prices

Persistent beliefs that out-of-state homebuyers are driving up home prices in the Islands is not supported by data, according to a new report from Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i.

Pacific Business News

Affordable lottery held today at Ikaika Ohana’s Kaiwahine village for their second rental project in R&T park to open at end of year

At 11:30 am at the Kaiwahine Village center, the lottery for the new housing project from Ikaika Ohana, Kaiaulu o Halele‘a Affordable Housing Project at the R&T park, was held.

Kihei Community Association

Financing approved to help build Kihei senior rental project

Affordable housing developer and owner Highridge Costa will receive funding to help build Liloa Hale, a $58.4 million, 117-unit affordable rental project for seniors in Kihei.

Maui News

Records Broken as the Rich Buy Hawai‘i Homes

During the first half of this year, 424 homes, condos and vacant land parcels sold for $3 million or more. The top price: $36.1 million for an oceanfront estate on Kaua‘i.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Maui County to receive $25M for Waiale Road extension

Maui County will receive $25 million in federal funds to help construct the Waiale Road extension, Hawai‘i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and Mayor Michael Victorino announced Monday.

Maui News

Neighbor Island home sales cool in July

Neighbor Island home sales continued to cool in July, while median sale prices largely continued to increase over the same month last year, according to recent sales statistics.

Pacific Business News

Blessing held for 324 unit Kaulana Mahina workforce apartments in Wailuku, Maui

An official blessing was held on Monday for the new Kaulana Mahina development in Central Maui.

Maui Now

County sees dip in sales as home prices hover over $1M

New listings and closed sales for homes and condos took a dive in July while inventory improved — all signs that the housing market is continuing to cool.

Maui News

Maui County home sales cool in June; single-family home median sales price at $1.1 million

Maui County home sales fell by more than 50% for condos and 20% for single-family houses last month, as rising mortgage rates and record-high sales prices pushed out buyers.

Maui Now

Gov. Ige joins ceremonies for two Maui affordable housing projects

Gov. David Ige participated Tuesday, July 19, in ceremonies marking milestones for two Maui affordable housing projects.

Lahaina News

NIMBY worsening Hawai‘i’s housing crisis

Tens of thousands of homes, maybe more. That’s what some experts are targeting to help ease Hawai‘i’s housing crisis.

KHON2

It’s Gotten Both Worse and Better for Struggling Working Families

The good news is that seventeen Hawai‘i nonprofits are helping working families become more financially stable, find affordable housing, and get involved in policy.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Maui Now Survey: 71% affected by residential rental prices spiking, 93% concerned with increase in violent and property crimes

Maui Now released a survey on Thursday, June 16, asking its readers to share their opinions and attitudes toward current issues affecting Maui County.

Maui Now

Column: Overcoming regulatory barriers for Maui housing solutions

It’s impossible to walk down the street and find someone who doesn’t know Maui has a housing problem for its residents.

Star Advertiser

Despite pushback, new affordable sales price guides for Maui County advance

Despite some who said the plan could actually hurt housing development, a Maui County Council committee on Thursday recommended approval of a measure that aims to make affordable housing more affordable.

Maui Now

Owners give Lahaina tenants more time; rally highlights Maui’s housing woes

New owners of one of the last Lahaina apartments with workforce rents reversed course Friday, announcing that no immediate evictions or rent increases will occur at Lahaina Crossroads.

Maui Now

Hawaiʻi vacation rentals continued to see drops in supply, demand last month

Hawaiʻi vacation rentals reported an occupancy rate of 69.4% in May, according to data released Friday by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

Pacific Business News

A Massive Maui Ranch Next Door to Oprah’s Property Asks $75 Million

Hana Ranch, which is one of the largest pieces of land for sale in Hawaiʻi, sits next to roughly 100 undeveloped acres owned by the media mogul.

Wall Street Journal

Promoting affordable housing in the apartment districts

Affordable housing is at the top of the list of what our residents and communities need and demand.

Maui News

South Maui Residents Want A Community Plan With Sharper Teeth

An update to South Maui’s community plan has been a long time coming. Residents charting the region’s future complain that past plans have been too flimsy.

Civil Beat

100% affordable project Hale Waipuʻilani in Kīhei advances

Saying the decision is between affordable housing or speculator homes, Maui County Council in committee today voted to recommend approval for a hotly-debated 28-unit affordable housing project slated for Kīhei.

Maui Now

Why Rent Relief in Hawai‘i Became a National Model

The government program helped over 13,000 households. One reason it succeeded may have been that people who had experienced housing instability had a seat at the decision-making table.

Hawaii Business Magazine

Tenants forced out of Lahaina Crossroads Apartments; rent nearly doubling

Katherine Kamaunu, 71, has lived at Lahaina Crossroads Apartments for more than 35 years. Now, she and her husband, Aaron Kamaunu, 60, are being forced out of the complex, along with nearly 20 other families — a handful of whom are kūpuna on fixed incomes.

Maui Now

Hawaiʻi is most expensive state for household bills

Feeling like you can’t catch up on bills month after month? Well, you are not the only one. A new study ranked the states with the highest to lowest monthly expenses and Hawaiʻi came out on top.

KHON2

Maui median home sales price stays near record at $1.21M; sales slow

Maui County’s single-family home median sales price at $1.21 million in May hovered just below the record high while sales showed signs of slowing, according to a new report by the Realtors Association of Maui.

Maui Now

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center pitched as future site for apartments; council shuts it down

Maui County council and administration are at odds over whether vacant spaces in industrial areas, such as Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, should be able to convert into apartments as a way to combat the housing crisis.

Maui Now

Itʻs National Homeownership Month; what federal programs are available for rural areas?

Itʻs National Home Ownership month. There are several federal programs available to help people buy, repair and build affordable homes.

Maui Now

Rental prices are soaring in Hawai‘i as economy rebounds

Rents are rising to record-breaking numbers across the country. On Maui, residents also see their rent soar.

Hawaii News Now

Would You Want The Government To Be Your Landlord?

As residents across the U.S. struggle with rising housing prices, policymakers are increasingly looking at models for “social housing” including in Vienna, Austria, as a way to improve the situation.

Civil Beat

Maui council may adjust metrics to make affordable housing actually affordable

With soaring housing prices in Maui County, council members are looking at ways to update the county’s sales price guidelines so affordable housing can actually be affordable.

Maui Now

Maui Is Reconsidering What Constitutes ‘Affordable’ When It Comes To Housing

Even if families qualify for loans, monthly costs can be so high that they struggle to hold on to their homes in the long term.

Civil Beat

Panel probes for answers to soaring home prices

New housing plan recommends updating county’s rent and sales price guidelines.

Maui News

Kuʻikahi Village’s plans for 202 workforce homes in Wailuku moves ahead

Kuʻikahi Village Project, which aims to build 202 workforce housing units on about 15 acres in Wailuku, cleared a significant hurdle recently.

Maui Now

How Fast Can Government Agencies Turn The Legislature’s $1 Billion Into New Housing?

Lawmakers just appropriated approximately $1 billion to help build homes for residents. Now it’s up to the executive branch to make things happen.

Civil Beat

State’s $192M housing, civic center project in Kahului advances

A $192 million Kahului plan to develop 300 affordable and market-rate units, along with a civic center for state office space, cleared a hurdle in the approval process.

Maui Now

Developer wants to turn proposed hotel site into apartment complex

Six-story Hotel Wailuku on pause, landowner supportive of new plans for site.

Maui News

This Is How The Government Decides What Housing Is ‘Affordable’

On Maui, “affordable” can range from rentals as low as $600 per month to for-sale homes as high as $700,000.

Civil Beat

Legislature Closes Historic Session For Housing And Hawaiians

Hawaiʻi lawmakers passed almost every proposal they said they would in a rare session bolstered by billions of dollars in extra revenue.

Civil Beat

Thousands of Houses Are Empty On Maui. Would Higher Taxes Change That?

An estimated 15,000 housing units — about 1 in 5 throughout all of Maui County — are vacant, according to 2020 census estimates.

Civil Beat

Maui County launched online planning and permitting system; no more paper applications

Maui County launched a new automated planning and permitting software called MAPPS. Paper applications no longer are accepted.

Maui Now

NIMBY Vs YIMBY: Should Hawaii Make It Easier To Build Affordable Housing?

A bill dubbed the “Yes In My Backyard Act” would create a working group to develop a plan to reduce regulatory barriers and improve community outreach.

Civil Beat

How Hawaiʻi’s Land-Use Regulations Are Helping Drive Up Housing Prices

A UHERO report quantifies what homebuilders have long said: Hawaiʻi’s robust land-use regulations contribute to housing costs

Civil Beat

New report: Hawaiʻi’s high home prices tied to stiff regulations; Maui 2nd strictest in state

A new survey released today by University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization shows that Hawaiʻi has some of the most restrictive housing regulations in the nation, with Maui as the second most restrictive county in the state

Maui Now

Lots poised for affordable housing, health care workers

County has long struggled to find a use for the property

Maui News

Maui home prices push the needle to new record highs

Median sales price in March nearly $1.18M for homes and $820K for condos

Maui News

Advocates, officials hope deal won’t delay housing project

Public-private partnership would provide wastewater in exchange for more housing

Maui News

BlackSand Capital commits to affordable housing initiative

Hawaii real estate firm BlackSand Capital has made a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui

Star Advertiser

BlackSand Capital makes $300,000 commitment to affordable housing initiative on Maui

BlackSand Capital has made a three-year, $300,000 commitment to House Maui

Pacific Business News

Maui council urged to raise tax on second homes, short-term rentals to raise money for affordables

Leaving property taxes at the lowest in the nation could actually spur investment home buys in Maui County, according to a presentation Monday afternoon at council’s Affordable Housing Committee

Maui Now

BlackSand Capital makes three-year commitment to affordable housing on Maui

BlackSand Capital has entered into a three-year commitment of $300,000 to House Maui

Maui Now

1,150-Unit Honuaʻula Project Heads to Mediation

Revamped development, years in the making, is seeking one of its final approvals

Maui News

Major 670-Acre Housing Project at Honuaʻula Aims to Move Ahead; Groups Intervene

A long-debated master planned community proposed for 670 acres in South Maui called Honuaʻula sought the next phase of county approval today — but two groups are challenging it.

Maui Now

Final Assessment for Honokowai Project Released

Plan calls for residential homesteads, multifamily residential units

Maui News

This Maui Housing Project is Hugely Popular and Sorely Needed. Will it Finally Get Built?

It’s been nearly 18 years since the developer began planning Waikapu Country Town. With the final bureaucratic hurdles now cleared, a new deal with the county could spur construction.

Civil Beat

752-Unit Affordable Housing Project Proposed in Waiehu

Planning commission suggests roundabouts, designing project to fit the area.

Maui News

State Pitches $192M Housing, Civic Center Project for Kahului

About 5 acres of state land in Kahului would be transformed into affordable and market-rate housing, along with a civic center for state office space.

Maui Now

Here’s How Affordable Housing Policies Have Impacted

Hawaiʻi’s Housing Supply

An in-depth look at how county and state affordable housing policies have helped or hurt Hawaiʻi’s housing supply – and what might work better.

Hawaiʻi Business Magazine

Work to Support Affordable Housing Continues

Maui County Councilman Gabe Johnson, who also chairs the County’s Affordable Housing Committee, recaps the Committee’s accomplishments in 2021 and shares what still needs to be done in the year ahead.

Lahaina News

Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Propose $600M to Fix Native Hawaiian Housing Program

Lawmakers in the State House are proposing a “historic” piece of legislation to commit $600 million to help house Native Hawaiians.

Star Advertiser

‘Priority projects’ Aim to Reach 5,000-Unit Goal

The Maui County Council is hoping a series of housing projects in the works will help the county reach its goal of building 5,000 affordable for-rent and for-sale units over the next five years.

Maui News

Over 1,000 Maui Families Are in a Better Financial Position to Qualify for Affordable Housing

Over 1,000 Maui families are in a better financial position to qualify for affordable housing this year — thanks to the program House Maui.

Hawaii Public Radio

Center Helps More Than 1,000 Families Improve Financial Footing

The Maui Financial Opportunity Center, launched as a public-private partnership between Maui County, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Hawaiian Community Assets, announced Tuesday that it has reached its first-year goal of working with more than 1,000 local families to improve financial stability in order to qualify for affordable housing.

Maui News

Hawaiʻi Housing Crisis has Maui Pushing to Phase out 3,000 Short-Term Rentals

As Hawaiʻi’s high housing costs and rising property taxes continue to price out struggling residents seeking to find and keep their homes, Maui is examining how to create long-term housing opportunities to make sure local residents remain local.

SF GATE

Aloha Friday Conversation: Seizing Affordable Housing Opportunities in Hawaiʻi

Hear from dedicated people from across the islands who are working on affordable housing.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio

Civil Beat: Hawaiʻi’s High Cost of Living Just Keeps Getting Higher

Rising gasoline and housing prices are driving up living costs for isle families, offsetting wage gains that had appeared to offer a bright spot in a tepid economic recovery.

Civil Beat

Star Advertiser, Island Voices: Maui road leads to affordable housing

An opportunity awaits us that could begin the journey of elevating Hawaiʻi’s people and place. It’s the building of a simple road.

Star Advertiser

FONSI Filed for Proposed Hale Pilina

A Final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact determination was made for the Hale Pilina Family Affordable Rental Housing Project proposed for development in Kahului, Maui.

Maui Now