Mayor Bissen announces partnership to support Lahaina homeowners in recovery

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen today announced a partnership to address critical financing gaps for Lahaina homeowners still rebuilding after the 2023 Maui wildfires. The collaborative effort will create a Deferred Payment Loan Program to support middle-income families who may not qualify for federal disaster recovery funds but continue to face significant financial barriers to reconstruction.

The partnership reflects a coordinated, community-driven approach to long-term housing recovery. Developed through collaboration among the County of Maui, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF), Maui United Way (MUW) and Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL), the initiative builds on the early foundation laid by the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program.

In April 2024, HCF awarded a $5 million grant to HCL through its Maui Strong Fund, allowing HCL to launch navigation services, connecting homeowners with insurance adjusters, and providing technical support to help families access grants and financing. That groundwork helped scale community capacity and laid the foundation for this County-led initiative.

“At the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, we know recovery happens best through trusted relationships and local collaboration,” said Keanu Lau Hee, Senior Director, Maui Recovery Effort. “From the earliest days after the wildfire, the Maui Strong Fund has supported efforts to ensure affected families have the resources and support needed. As recovery progresses, needs continue to evolve — and this collaboration with the County and our nonprofit partners reflects a commitment to adapt and respond in ways that meet those needs.”

“Hawaiʻi Community Lending is honored to partner with the County of Maui, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and Maui United Way to get resources to Lahaina families so they can rebuild and return home,” said Jeff Gilbreath, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Community Lending. “This partnership shows what’s possible when community voices are heard and nonprofits, philanthropy, and government come together around a shared solution that meets families where they are.”

This partnership paves the way for a program providing critical resources on the pathway home. The program will look at how the burden of property survey expenses can be reduced or eliminated, connections can be made for affordable construction services, negotiations with mortgage services can prevent foreclosure, and looks to find funding and financing to rebuild homes. Additionally, the partnership is making sure there are also resources for homeowners to include fire resistant protections during rebuilding, as well as supporting protections through homeowners insurance.

“Coordinated recovery efforts that bridge philanthropy and government are not just helpful—they’re essential to our community’s recovery and resiliency,” said Jeeyun Lee, Director of Impact of Maui United Way. “By working together, we ensure that no one is left behind—especially middle-income homeowners who often don’t qualify for traditional aid but are still struggling to rebuild. This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when we align resources, values, and community-centered solutions for long-term recovery in Lahaina.”

Mayor Bissen emphasized that the partnership is more than a financial arrangement — it represents Maui’s values in action.

“This initiative is rooted in kuleana,” Bissen said. “We’re stepping up with compassion, accountability, and unity to ensure our Lahaina families can return home.”

The County expects to launch the Deferred Payment Loan Program this summer, with specific program details to be announced at that time. In the meantime, Lahaina homeowners impacted by the wildfire are encouraged to enroll in Hawaiʻi Community Lending’s Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program by visiting hawaiicommunitylending.com/mauirelief.