Kupuna survivors of Maui wildfires offer affordable housing

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Housing assistance is on the way for kupuna who survived the wildfires on Maui.

The nonprofit J. Walter Cameron Center is launching Na Hale Kupuna (NHK), an affordable housing project funded by the Maui County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the federal CARES Act.

NHK offers seven long-term apartment units in West, Central and South Maui.

One- and two-bedroom units will be available to accommodate households of up to five people.

To qualify, the primary applicant must be at least 62 years old and show evidence that their primary residence in Lahaina was damaged beyond the residence in the August 8, 2023 wildfires.

Households must also have a total gross annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Rent will be limited to 30 percent of the household’s gross income

One-bedroom units will start at $300 per month.

Two-bedroom units will start at $400 per month.

Leases will be determined for 12 months with the option to extend.

Pets and service animals are allowed in some units; All units accept registered assistance dogs.

Tenants will be responsible for services not included in the rent and a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent will be required. Additional pet deposits may apply, except for registered service animals.

The application window runs from Tuesday, December 3 to Friday, December 20.

Appointments for application submission must be made in advance by calling (808) 244-5546 or by making an appointment online at: https://jwcameroncenter.org.