Lahaina Celebrates First Rebuilt Homes in Partnership with Mennonite Disaster Service

For the Yadao and Kahahane families, the road back to Lahaina has been paved with uncertainty, patience, and a lot of hard work. But on March 6, 2026, that journey reached a beautiful destination: Home.

In a milestone event for Maui’s long-term recovery, Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (Hoʻōla LTRG) and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) officially celebrated the completion of their first two rebuilt homes in Lahaina. Nearly 100 community leaders, volunteers, and partners gathered for a private blessing and dedication ceremony to welcome these families back to the land they love.

A Labor of Love: By the Numbers

Rebuilding in Lahaina is no small feat, and these homes represent more than just wood and nails—they represent the power of community collaboration.

• 5 Months: The record time it took to complete these builds.
• 7,500+ Hours: The amount of "joyful labor" provided by MDS volunteers.
• Two New Beginnings: A 5-bedroom, 2-bath home for the Yadao 'ohana and a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home for the Kahahane 'ohana.

Moving Beyond the Unknown

For Bhejay Yadao, the blessing was an emotional turning point. Like many survivors of the August 2023 wildfires, the last few years have been defined by anxiety.

“From the beginning, we didn’t know who or how we could move forward,” Yadao shared during the ceremony. “It truly has been a journey to see our family go from being anxious and scared of the unknown to now knowing we can finally return home.”

The sentiment was echoed by Clint Kahahane, who expressed immense gratitude for the "muscle, money, and materials" brought together by the various partner organizations to bridge the gap and make his return to Lahaina possible.

It Takes a Village (Literally)

The success of these first rebuilds is the result of a massive network of support. Hoʻōla LTRG executive director Rhonda Alexander-Monkres noted that seeing these homes finished is a “powerful reminder that progress is happening.”

This progress was made possible through a unique coalition including:

• Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS): Providing skilled volunteer labor and design.
• Cajudoy Construction: Local construction expertise and logistical support.
• Lahaina Community Land Trust: Helping ensure long-term housing security.
• Hawaiʻi Community Lending: Assisting with the financial path forward.

Don Rheinheimer, the MDS Project Coordinator for Hawaiʻi, emphasized that the volunteers were honored to be part of this "labor of love," helping to restore not just houses, but dignity and a sense of belonging.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Lahaina Together

While we celebrate these first two homes, the work is far from over. Hoʻōla LTRG continues to walk alongside wildfire survivors, offering disaster case management, stabilization support, and rebuilding assistance.

Are you a Lahaina property owner looking to rebuild? If you are seeking assistance or want to learn more about the long-term recovery process, help is available.

• Visit: www.mauilongtermrecovery.org
• Email: [email protected]

The completion of these homes is a beacon of hope for all of Maui. It proves that when we work together—nonprofits, faith-based groups, and local residents—we can turn the "unknown" into a front door key.

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