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Maui wildfire victims in need of housing while unoccupied tiny home village remains idle


Twelve days after a devastating fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Maude Cumming started building an 88-unit village for survivors, but a year later only 10 units are occupied due to bureaucratic obstacles and slow construction. The village, known as Ohana Hope Village, features 16 pods with private kitchens and baths surrounding a communal center reflecting traditional Hawaiian living. Housing insecurity remains a major issue for survivors, with nearly 59% of fire-affected residents having moved at least three times since the fire, and 1 in 5 moving five or more times. Families have struggled with expiring housing programs and rising rents, leading some to leave the island.

In the aftermath of the fire, disaster teams temporarily housed thousands of people in hotels, but long-term solutions have been challenging. The state has provided aid through rental assistance programs, interim housing, and disaster case management. A temporary housing project is underway to shelter up to 1,200 people for up to five years. Meanwhile, a partnership with Airbnb has helped 3,000 individuals find accommodations.

Cumming aims to finish the Ohana Hope Village project in the next few months once a water pipe is delivered to connect the village to a county water line. Despite delays, she hopes the project can serve as a model for disaster response. However, uncertainty remains for many survivors as they wait for stable housing. Governor Josh Green acknowledges the trade-offs in responding to such a crisis and emphasizes the need for larger, more permanent solutions.

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www.nbcnews.com

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