Who Hookumu Hou Is Really For and Why It Matters Right Now

As Maui continues to recover from the devastation of the 2023 wildfires, the County’s Hoʻokumu Hou program has emerged as one of the most important tools for helping residents rebuild. Supported by substantial federal disaster-relief funding, the program is designed to restore stability, assist families who were displaced, and create new opportunities for homeownership during a time when housing on Maui remains incredibly difficult to access.

Many people have heard the name Hoʻokumu Hou, but not everyone understands who the program is meant to help. Below is a clear breakdown of its intended audience and the most important rules to be aware of before applying.

Who Hoʻokumu Hou Is Aimed At

Hoʻokumu Hou focuses on helping several groups who were most affected by the wildfires and Maui’s ongoing housing challenges.

Residents who lost their homes in the 2023 Maui wildfires

This group includes primarily single-family homeowners whose houses were destroyed and who now need a structured path toward rebuilding.

Renters and displaced families seeking homeownership

Many former renters are now looking for permanent housing after losing everything in the fires. The program is especially supportive of lower to middle income households that fall within Area Median Income limits.

Individuals or families needing help rebuilding, repairing, or purchasing a first home

For those who lack savings or cannot afford a down payment, Hoʻokumu Hou offers an opportunity to move forward when the traditional market feels out of reach.

The County has repeatedly noted that renters who were displaced by the wildfire and earn under 80 percent of the Area Median Income will receive priority consideration.

Important Conditions and Limitations

While Hoʻokumu Hou is a major resource for Maui, it does come with structural requirements and restrictions. These guidelines ensure that the program remains fair, consistent, and compliant with federal funding rules.

Contractor selection for Reconstruction

Homeowners using the Reconstruction program cannot choose their own contractor. All work must be completed by contractors from a pre-qualified pool selected by the program.

Reimbursement rules for those who already rebuilt

If you have already rebuilt your home independently, you may only apply for reimbursement. Reimbursements are limited to actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any other assistance such as insurance funds or FEMA aid must be reported and will reduce the reimbursable amount.

Eligibility for single-family, owner-occupied homes

The Reconstruction program currently applies only to single-family, owner-occupied houses. Condominium units are not eligible under the Reconstruction component.

First-Time Homebuyer restrictions

The First-Time Homebuyer option follows standard guidelines related to income and prior ownership. For example, applicants must not have owned a home within the past three years.

Limited funding and possible adjustments

High demand means funding may not cover every applicant fully. Awards may be reduced according to duplication-of-benefit rules, which require the County to account for any insurance, FEMA support, or other disaster-related aid already received.

Why This Matters for Maui Residents Today

For anyone living in Wailuku or anywhere else on Maui, Hoʻokumu Hou represents far more than a typical government program. It is a cornerstone of the island’s long-term recovery and will influence the housing landscape for years to come.

The wildfire disaster displaced thousands of residents and intensified the pressure on an already limited housing market. Hoʻokumu Hou serves as the central mechanism for helping residents return to their communities, secure affordable housing, and rebuild their lives.

For professionals in real estate, lending, construction, or community planning, the program may affect several areas including home prices, inventory levels, buyer qualification pathways, and investment opportunities during the rebuilding period.

Hoʻokumu Hou is not just a recovery program. It is a turning point for Maui, one that will help determine how and where families rebuild and how the island’s housing market evolves in the years ahead.

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