Maui Wildfire Survivors Get One-Year Extension of FEMA Housing Assistance

LAHAINA, Hawaii – Survivors of the deadly wildfire that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina last year will receive an additional year of housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Housing has been a major obstacle in the recovery efforts since the August 8, 2023, wildfire, which killed at least 102 people and displaced 12,000.

FEMA has primarily focused on providing rentals for survivors who lacked insurance coverage for fire losses. The agency currently leases homes for over 1,200 households and provides subsidies to 500 others to cover their own rental costs. Many of these rentals are located in Kihei, 25 miles away from Lahaina.

The deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century has caused significant hardship for many survivors, forcing them to relocate multiple times, often from one hotel room to another. The initial housing assistance was set to expire in February 2025, but FEMA approved a one-year extension, extending the aid until February 10, 2026.

A report published earlier this month by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Maui wildfire survivors, revealing increases in unemployment and poverty and a decline in incomes. The report, based on 402 survey responses from impacted communities, found that nine out of ten respondents lost their homes.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green expressed gratitude for FEMA’s continued support, stating, “On behalf of our state, I want to express my gratitude to FEMA for this favorable response to my administration’s request. The ongoing support FEMA and our other federal partners have provided has been crucial for the recovery of our people.”

Green also emphasized the importance of the federal government’s commitment to the recovery effort, recalling President Joe Biden’s promise during his visit to Lahaina: “I am reminded that when he visited Lahaina, President Joe Biden said he and his administration would be with our people for as long as it takes and we are humbly appreciative of that steadfast commitment.”

Key Takeaways:

• FEMA has extended housing assistance for Maui wildfire survivors for an additional year.
• The extension provides a critical lifeline for those struggling to recover from the devastating fire.
• The housing assistance has been crucial in helping survivors find temporary accommodation.
• The wildfire has significantly impacted the community, leading to increased unemployment, poverty, and income loss.
• Governor Josh Green expressed appreciation for FEMA’s continued support and President Biden’s commitment to helping the community recover.