GOVERNOR GREEN DELIVERS MAUI HOUSING PLAN UPDATE

News release from Office of the Governor, March 27, 2024

HONOLULU – March 27, 2024 – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today updated the timeline of the state of Hawai‘i’s Maui wildfire recovery plan. Governor Green announced his plan for moving impacted survivors and their families from FEMA- and state-funded non-congregate shelters into more permanent and secure housing communities, as well as a detailed recovery timeline showing where the state is on the path to recovery. Progress showcased the coordination between state officials, Maui County officials, community stakeholders, and federal partners, including FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Highlighting the successes achieved in constructing housing, reopening school facilities, and increasing federal engagement, Governor Green commended the coordinated effort to streamline the recovery process for those impacted on Maui by the devastating wildfires. Governor Green updated the state on its progress on shifting more than 60% of impacted families into long-term housing, negotiating $220M in potential savings with federal counterparts, improving state carryover balances, and continuing to construct short- and long-term units and public facilities for communities.

“Despite the adversity and devastation its people have faced, Maui’s resilience has been remarkable,” Governor Green said. “Just as its communities have been unwavering in their tenacity, our commitment to supporting Maui remains just as strong. My administration’s progress reflects this dedication as it provides immediate assistance and lays the groundwork for long-term recovery.” By demonstrating the tangible progress achieved and detailing ongoing partnerships, Governor Green reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering a robust recovery framework that puts the well-being and security of impacted individuals and their families first, while ensuring the effective management of state resources.

Governor Green also announced that he would not pursue a moratorium on short-term rentals on Maui due to obtaining enough units to house impacted families. However, he emphasized that his administration is committed to working with partners across all counties to crack down on illegal listings engaging in deceptive acts and practices.

As recovery and rebuilding efforts continue, Governor Green emphasized the crucial role of cross-stakeholder collaboration and community input as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue. “We are not just constructing buildings; we are restoring livelihoods and communities,” the Governor said. “Our continued efforts for the people of Maui will ensure that every resource we have is deployed effectively, and every family receives the help it needs to rebuild.” With a renewed focus on healing and recovery, Governor Green remains dedicated to supporting the people of Maui and Lahaina every step of the way, valuing their input and involvement in the process.

Governor’s slide deck from today’s news conference can be found here.

Photos, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.

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HNN: Green: No Permits to rebuild Until End of 2024

SA: No need for ban on short-term rentals in West Maui, Gov. Green says | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)

CS: Green says no moratorium on short-term rentals in Maui as housing goals reached | Hawaii | thecentersquare.com

MN: Governor Josh Green gives update on Maui housing plan | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News

BB: Wildfire recovery won't crowd out other budget priorities, Hawaii governor says | Bond Buyer

AP: Hawaii says 30 Lahaina fire survivors are moving into housing daily but 3,000 are still in hotels

CB: Green Won't Issue Vacation Rental Moratorium For Maui

Gov. Green updates the timeline of the state's Maui wildfire recovery plan | Devastation in Lahaina | kitv.com 

With hundreds still in hotels, Green says vacation rental ban for West Maui not needed (hawaiinewsnow.com)

SA: No need for ban on short-term rentals in West Maui, Green says | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)