Transitioning Temporary Relief into Permanent Homes

Maui County to Accept FEMA’s Kīlohana Modular Housing

In a major development for West Maui's long-term disaster recovery, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is preparing to donate the 167-unit Kīlohana modular housing project directly to Maui County.

During a recent meeting of the County Council’s Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee, Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith confirmed that the County will take ownership of the units through FEMA’s sales-and-donations program—paving the way for these temporary structures to eventually become permanent housing for local residents.

What Is the Kīlohana Project?

Located on 34 acres of state-owned land in Lahaina (near Fleming Road and Malo Street), the Kīlohana development was constructed to provide high-quality temporary shelter for families displaced by the August 2023 wildfires.

Unlike standard, short-term emergency trailers, these modular structures were specifically manufactured and engineered to meet a 30-year lifespan. Furnished with one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, the site features full utility hookups, paved roadways, and integrated infrastructure installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

From Temporary Relief to Permanent Community Housing

Transferring ownership to Maui County eliminates the upfront acquisition cost for local taxpayers while securing vital housing inventory for West Maui.

Key highlights of the transition plan include:

• Interim Operations: The units will continue serving displaced wildfire survivors as FEMA's direct housing assistance phases out.
• Long-Term Ownership: Once temporary disaster housing needs subside, the County intends to transition the 167 modular homes into permanent, long-term housing stock.
• Siting & Permitting: County officials are coordinating with council leadership to establish permanent land leases, utility management plans, and long-term zoning strategies for the site.

Why This Matters: Building new residential units on Maui typically involves years of permitting, environmental reviews, and extensive infrastructure development. By acquiring fully built, 30-year modular homes with existing utility connections, the County gains a turnkey solution to expand affordable housing capacity in West Maui.

Supporting Maui's Housing Future

Strategic moves like accepting FEMA-donated modular units showcase how innovative policy can help address our island's ongoing housing demand. Transitioning temporary disaster resources into permanent neighborhood assets helps ensure local families stay rooted right here on Maui.

Whether you are navigating local property trends, tracking West Maui recovery updates, or planning your next buying or selling strategy, having clear regulatory and market context makes all the difference.

The Smith Team

Coldwell Banker Island Properties

Licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi

3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Suite B35, Wailea, HI 96753

Direct: (808) 879-1991 | Web: www.mauihomebuyer.com

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